Systems and methods for pathogen detection and response

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be used for detection of one or more pathogens and determining one or more agents in response to pathogen detection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. UNKNOWN, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECEIVINGPATHOGEN RELATED INFORMATION AND RESPONDING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung,Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud,John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 11Sep. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of whicha currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of thefiling date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. UNKNOWN, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORTRANSMITTING PATHOGEN RELATED INFORMATION AND RESPONDING, naming EdwardK. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 11 Sep. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/893,608, entitled COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICALS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., ClarenceT. Tegreene; and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Aug. 2007,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/893,606, entitled COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICALS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., ClarenceT. Tegreene; and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Aug. 2007,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/893,605, entitled COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICALS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., ClarenceT. Tegreene; and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Aug. 2007,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/888,627, entitled COMPUTATIONAL METHODS ANDSYSTEMS ASSOCIATED WITH NUTRACEUTICAL RELATED ASSAYS, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D.Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. asinventors, filed 31 Jul. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/888,614, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TORECEIVING NUTRACEUTICAL ASSOCIATED INFORMATION, naming Edward K. Y.Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo,Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed31 Jul. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application ofwhich a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit ofthe filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/888,613, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TOTRANSMISSION OF NUTRACEUTICAL ASSOCIATED INFORMATION, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D.Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. asinventors, filed 31 Jul. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/824,529, entitled COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICALS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., ClarenceT. Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Jun. 2007,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/824,604, entitled COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS RELATEDTO NUTRACEUTICALS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, andLowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Jun. 2007, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/799,465, entitled FLUIDIC DEVICES, naming EdwardK. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 30 Apr. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/799,462, entitled FLUIDIC METHODS, naming EdwardK. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 30 Apr. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/729,301, entitled METHODS FOR PATHOGENDETECTION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2007, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/729,276, entitled DEVICES FOR PATHOGENDETECTION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2007, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/729,275, entitled MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS FORPATHOGEN DETECTION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, RoyceA. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., andLowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2007, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/729,274, entitled SYSTEMS FOR PATHOGENDETECTION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2007, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/637,638, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FORANALYSIS OF NUTRACEUTICAL ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS, naming Edward K. Y.Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 11 Dec. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/637,616, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FORANALYSIS OF NUTRACEUTICAL ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS, naming Edward K. Y.Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 11 Dec. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/523,809, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT SELECTION AND DOSING,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 18 Sep. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/523,766, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT SELECTION AND DOSING,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 18 Sep. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/518,540, entitled INDIVIDUALIZED PHARMACEUTICALSELECTION AND PACKAGING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 8 Sep. 2006, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/515,357, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT SELECTION AND DOSING,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 1 Sep. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/486,998, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED PHARMACEUTICAL AND NUTRACEUTICALSELECTION AND PACKAGING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 14 Jul. 2006, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/486,973, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED PHARMACEUTICAL AND NUTRACEUTICALSELECTION AND PACKAGING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 14 Jul. 2006, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/478,341, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRACEUTICAL SELECTION AND PACKAGING,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 28 Jun. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/478,296, entitled COMPUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROLSYSTEMS RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRACEUTICAL SELECTION AND PACKAGING,naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 28 Jun. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/474,109, entitled CUSTOMIZED VISUAL MARKING FORMEDICATION LABELING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, RobertW. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr.as inventors, filed 23 Jun. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or isan application of which a currently co-pending application is entitledto the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/453,571, entitled INDIVIDUALIZED PHARMACEUTICALSELECTION AND PACKAGING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L.Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 14 Jun. 2006, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/314,945, entitled GENERATING A REQUEST FROM ANUTRACEUTICAL INVENTORY, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T.Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 20 Dec. 2005,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/291,482, entitled GENERATING A NUTRACEUTICALREQUEST FROM AN INVENTORY, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T.Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Nov. 2005,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has providedabove a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority isbeing claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that thestatute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does notrequire either a serial number or any characterization, such as“continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S.patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicantunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present applicationas a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above,but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construedin any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether ornot the present application contains any new matter in addition to thematter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be usedfor detection of one or more pathogens and determining one or moreagents in response to pathogen detection.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments one or more methods are provided that includeidentifying one or more pathogens present within one or more samplesobtained from an individual through use of one or more microfluidicchips, accepting input associated with the individual from whom the oneor more samples were obtained, and determining one or more agents thatcan be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one ormore pathogens. The method may optionally include displaying informationassociated with the one or more agents. The method may optionallyinclude transmitting one or more signals that include informationassociated with the one or more agents. In addition to the foregoing,other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming apart of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more methods are provided that includereceiving one or more signals that include information associated withone or more agents determined in response to one or more pathogenspresent within one or more samples obtained from an individual and inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained and processing the information associated with one or moreagents determined in response to one or more pathogens present withinone or more samples obtained from an individual and the input associatedwith the individual from whom the one or more samples were obtained. Themethod may optionally include packaging the one or more agents. Themethod may optionally include shipping one or more packages that includethe one or more agents. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects aredescribed in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more methods are provided that includeidentifying one or more pathogens present within one or more samplesobtained from an individual through use of one or more microfluidicchips, accepting input associated with the individual from whom the oneor more samples were obtained, and transmitting one or more signals thatinclude information associated with the identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips and the accepting inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained. The method may optionally include receiving one or moresignals that include information associated with one or more agents thatcan be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one ormore pathogens. The method may optionally include displaying theinformation associated with the one or more agents that can be used toreduce the pathogenicity of the at least one of the one or morepathogens. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described inthe claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more methods are provided that includereceiving one or more signals that include information associated withidentifying one or more pathogens present within one or more samplesobtained from an individual, receiving one or more signals that includeinformation associated with accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained, anddetermining one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens. The methodmay optionally include displaying information associated with the one ormore agents. The method may optionally include transmitting the one ormore signals that include information associated with the one or moreagents. The method may optionally include packaging the one or moreagents. The method may optionally include shipping one or more packagesthat include the one or more agents. In addition to the foregoing, otheraspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a partof the present disclosure.

In some embodiments a system is provided that includes a signal-bearingmedium bearing one or more instructions for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips; one or more instructionsfor accepting input associated with the individual from whom the one ormore samples were obtained; and one or more instructions for determiningone or more agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of atleast one of the one or more pathogens. The system may optionallyinclude one or more instructions for displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents. The system may optionally include one ormore instructions for transmitting one or more signals that includeinformation associated with the one or more agents. In addition to theforegoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and/or text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments a system is provided that includes a signal-bearingmedium bearing one or more instructions for receiving one or moresignals that include information associated with one or more agentsdetermined in response to one or more pathogens present within one ormore samples obtained from an individual and input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained; and one ormore instructions for processing the information associated with one ormore agents determined in response to one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual and the inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained. The system may optionally include one or more instructions forpackaging the one or more agents. The system may optionally include oneor more instructions for shipping one or more packages that include theone or more agents. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspectsare described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments a system is provided that includes a signal-bearingmedium bearing one or more instructions for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips; one or more instructionsfor accepting input associated with the individual from whom the one ormore samples were obtained; and one or more instructions fortransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the identifying one or more pathogens present within one or moresamples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips and the accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained. The systemmay optionally include one or more instructions for receiving one ormore signals that include information associated with one or more agentsthat can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the oneor more pathogens. The system may optionally include one or moreinstructions for displaying the information associated with the one ormore agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least oneof the one or more pathogens. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments a system is provided that includes a signal-bearingmedium bearing one or more instructions for receiving one or moresignals that include information associated with identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from anindividual; one or more instructions for receiving one or more signalsthat include information associated with accepting input associated withthe individual from whom the one or more samples were obtained; and oneor more instructions for determining one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens. The system may optionally include one or more instructionsfor displaying information associated with the one or more agents. Thesystem may optionally include one or more instructions for transmittingone or more signals that include information associated with the one ormore agents. The system may optionally include one or more instructionsfor packaging the one or more agents. The system may optionally includeone or more instructions for shipping one or more packages that includethe one or more agents. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that include meansfor identifying one or more pathogens present within one or more samplesobtained from an individual through use of one or more microfluidicchips, means for accepting input associated with the individual fromwhom the one or more samples were obtained; and means for determiningone or more agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of atleast one of the one or more pathogens responsive to the means foridentifying one or more pathogens present within one or more samplesobtained from an individual through use of one or more microfluidicchips and the means for accepting input associated with the individualfrom whom the one or more samples were obtained. The system mayoptionally include means for displaying information associated with theone or more agents. The system may optionally include means fortransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that include meansfor receiving one or more signals that include information associatedwith one or more agents determined in response to one or more pathogenspresent within one or more samples obtained from an individual and inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained and means for processing the information associated with themeans for receiving one or more signals that include informationassociated with one or more agents determined in response to one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualand input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained. The system may optionally include means forpackaging the one or more agents. The system may optionally includemeans for shipping one or more packages that include the one or moreagents. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are describedin the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that include meansfor identifying one or more pathogens present within one or more samplesobtained from an individual through use of one or more microfluidicchips, means for accepting input associated with the individual fromwhom the one or more samples were obtained, and means for transmittingone or more signals responsive to the means for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips and the means foraccepting input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained. The system may optionally include means forreceiving the one or more signals that include information associatedwith one or more agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity ofat least one of the one or more pathogens. The system may optionallyinclude means for displaying the information associated with the meansfor receiving the one or more signals that include informationassociated with one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens. In additionto the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims,drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that include meansfor receiving one or more signals that include information associatedwith identifying one or more pathogens present within one or moresamples obtained from an individual, means for receiving one or moresignals that include information associated with accepting inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained, and means for determining one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogensresponsive to the means for receiving one or more signals that includeinformation associated with identifying one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual and the means forreceiving one or more signals that include information associated withaccepting input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained. The system may optionally include means fordisplaying information associated with the one or more agents. Thesystem may optionally include means for transmitting one or more signalsthat include information associated with the one or more agents. Thesystem may optionally include means for packaging the one or moreagents. The system may optionally include means for shipping one or morepackages that include the one or more agents. In addition to theforegoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and/or text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that includecircuitry for identifying one or more pathogens present within one ormore samples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips, circuitry for accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained, circuitryfor determining one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens responsive tothe circuitry for identifying one or more pathogens present within oneor more samples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips and the circuitry for accepting input associated withthe individual from whom the one or more samples were obtained. Thesystem may optionally include circuitry for displaying informationassociated with the one or more agents. The system may optionallyinclude circuitry for transmitting one or more signals that includeinformation associated with the one or more agents. In addition to theforegoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and/or text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that includecircuitry for receiving one or more signals that include informationassociated with one or more agents determined in response to one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualand input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained and circuitry for processing the informationassociated with one or more agents determined in response to one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualand the input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained. The system may optionally include circuitry forpackaging the one or more agents. The system may optionally includecircuitry for shipping one or more packages that include the one or moreagents. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are describedin the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that includecircuitry for identifying one or more pathogens present within one ormore samples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips, circuitry for accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained, circuitryfor transmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the identifying one or more pathogens present within one or moresamples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips and the accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained. The systemmay optionally include circuitry for receiving one or more signals thatinclude information associated with one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens. The system may optionally include circuitry for displayingthe information associated with the one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of the at least one of the one or morepathogens. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects aredescribed in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments one or more systems are provided that includecircuitry for receiving one or more signals that include informationassociated with identifying one or more pathogens present within one ormore samples obtained from an individual, circuitry for receiving one ormore signals that include information associated with accepting inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained, and circuitry for determining one or more agents that can beused to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens responsive to the circuitry for receiving one or more signalsthat include information associated with identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualand the circuitry for receiving one or more signals that includeinformation associated with accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained. The systemmay optionally include circuitry for displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents. The system may optionally include circuitryfor transmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents. The system may optionally include circuitryfor packaging the one or more agents. The system may optionally includecircuitry for shipping one or more packages that include the one or moreagents. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are describedin the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, means include but are not limited to circuitryand/or programming for effecting the herein referenced functionalaspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually anycombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effectthe herein referenced functional aspects depending upon the designchoices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, othersystem aspects means are described in the claims, drawings, and/or textforming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, related systems include but are not limited tocircuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein referenced methodaspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually anycombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effectthe herein referenced method aspects depending upon the design choicesof the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present application.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings, claims, and thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flowof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flowof FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flowof FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flowof FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 8 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flowof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flowof FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 19 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 25 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 27 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 30 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 29.

FIG. 34 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 35 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 38 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 40 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to methods and systems responsive to the detection of pathogens.

FIG. 43 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operationalflow of FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 illustrates an example system 4500 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 45A illustrates an example system 4500 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 45B illustrates an example system 4500 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 46 illustrates an example system 4600 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 46A illustrates an example system 4600 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 46B illustrates an example system 4600 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 47 illustrates an example system 4700 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 47A illustrates an example system 4700 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 47B illustrates an example system 4700 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 48 illustrates an example system 4800 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 48A illustrates an example system 4800 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 48B illustrates an example system 4800 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 48C illustrates an example system 4800 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 48D illustrates an example system 4800 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to providea method that may be used to detect and respond to one or more pathogens106. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may be processed withone or more microfluidic chips 108 that are configured to detect one ormore pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may beprocessed with one or more microfluidic chips 108 that are configured toanalyze one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or moresamples 104 associated with an individual 102 may be processed. In someembodiments, one sample 104 associated with an individual 102 may beprocessed. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 maybe used to process one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, onemicrofluidic chip 108 may be used to process one or more samples 104. Insome embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be used toprocess one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be used to process one sample 104. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured toaccept one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may include one or more reservoirs. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may include one or morereagent inputs. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108may be configured to operably associate with one or more analysis units110. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more centrifugation units.In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more processing units 112.In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more transmitting units116. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more display units 114. Insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be used to detectone or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one analysis unit 110may be used to detect one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments,one or more analysis units 110 may be portable analysis units 110. Insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be non-portableanalysis units 110. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110may be hand-held analysis units 110. In some embodiments, one or moreanalysis units 110 may include one or more user interfaces 122. In someembodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may include one userinterface 122. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 mayinclude one or more user interfaces 122 that are operably associatedwith the one or more analysis units 110. In some embodiments, one ormore analysis units 110 may include one or more display units 114. Insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be operablyassociated with one or more display units 114. In some embodiments, oneor more display units 114 may include one or more user interfaces 122.In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may include one userinterface 122. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 maybe operably associated with one or more analysis units 110. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may be operably associatedwith one or more display units 114. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may be operably associated with one or more userinputs. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 maytransmit one or more signals 126. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may be operably associated with one or moreprocessing units 112. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 may be operably associated with one or more display units 114.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may be operablyassociated with one or more analysis units 110. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 may be operably associated with one ormore accepting units 118.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example system 100A in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100A is operable to providea method that may be used during the detection and response to one ormore pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more signals 126 may bereceived by one or more receiving units 136. Such signals 126 mayinclude numerous types of information. In some embodiments, such signals126 may include information related to agent information 128, sampleinformation 130, individual information 132, pathogen information 134,and the like. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 136 maybe operably associated with one or more: processing units 112, displayunits 114, transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, packaging units138, shipping units 140, or substantially any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may processinformation received by one or more receiving units 136. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may be operably associatedwith one or more: receiving units 136, display units 114, transmittingunits 116, user interfaces 122, packaging units 138, shipping units 140,or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one ormore display units 114 may display information received from one or morereceiving units 136. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114may display information received from one or more processing units 112.In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may be operablyassociated with one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112,transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, packaging units 138,shipping units 140, or substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 maytransmit one or more signals 126 that include information received fromone or more receiving units 136. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that includeinformation received from one or more processing units 112. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may be operablyassociated with one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112,display units 114, user interfaces 122, packaging units 138, shippingunits 140, or substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more user interfaces 122 may be operably associatedwith one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112, displayunits 114, transmitting units 116, packaging units 138, shipping units140, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may receive one or moresignals 126 from one or more transmitting units 116. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may be operably associatedwith one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112, displayunits 114, transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, shipping units140, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, oneor more shipping units 140 may ship one or more packages that includeone or more agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more shipping units140 may receive one or more signals 126 from one or more transmittingunits 116. In some embodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may beoperably associated with one or more: receiving units 136, processingunits 112, display units 114, transmitting units 116, user interfaces122, packaging units 138, or substantially any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may be operablyassociated with one or more accepting units 118.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example system 100B in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100B is operable to providea method that may be used to detect and respond to one or more pathogens106. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may be processed withone or more microfluidic chips 108 that are configured to detect one ormore pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may beprocessed with one or more microfluidic chips 108 that are configured toanalyze one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or moresamples 104 associated with an individual 102 may be processed. In someembodiments, one sample 104 associated with an individual 102 may beprocessed. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 maybe used to process one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, onemicrofluidic chip 108 may be used to process one or more samples 104. Insome embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be used toprocess one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be used to process one sample 104. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured toaccept one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may include one or more reservoirs. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may include one or morereagent inputs. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108may be configured to operably associate with one or more analysis units110. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more centrifugation units.In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more processing units 112.In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more transmitting units116. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more display units 114. Insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be used to detectone or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one analysis unit 110may be used to detect one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments,one or more analysis units 110 may be portable analysis units 110. Insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be non-portableanalysis units 110. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110may be hand-held analysis units 110. In some embodiments, one or moreanalysis units 110 may include one or more user interfaces 122. In someembodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may include one userinterface 122. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 mayinclude one or more user interfaces 122 that are operably associatedwith the one or more analysis units 110. In some embodiments, one ormore analysis units 110 may include one or more display units 114. Insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be operablyassociated with one or more display units 114. In some embodiments, oneor more display units 114 may include one or more user interfaces 122.In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may include one userinterface 122. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 maybe operably associated with one or more analysis units 110. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may be operably associatedwith one or more display units 114. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may be operably associated with one or more userinputs. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may beoperably associated with one or more accepting units 118. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 maybe operably associated with one or more processing units 112. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may be operablyassociated with one or more display units 114. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 may be operably associated with one ormore analysis units 110. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 may be operably associated with one or more accepting units118. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receiveone or more signals 126. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits 136 may be operably associated with one or more: processing units112, display units 114, transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example system 100C in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100C is operable to providea method that may be used during the detection and response to one ormore pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more signals 126 may bereceived by one or more receiving units 136. Such signals 126 mayinclude numerous types of information. In some embodiments, such signals126 may include information related to sample information 130,individual information 132, pathogen information 134, and the like. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may be operablyassociated with one or more: processing units 112, display units 114,transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, packaging units 138,shipping units 140, or substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may process informationreceived by one or more receiving units 136. In some embodiments, one ormore processing units 112 may be operably associated with one or more:receiving units 136, display units 114, transmitting units 116, userinterfaces 122, packaging units 138, shipping units 140, orsubstantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or moredisplay units 114 may display information received from one or morereceiving units 136. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114may display information received from one or more processing units 112.In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may be operablyassociated with one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112,transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, packaging units 138,shipping units 140, or substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 maytransmit one or more signals 126 that include information received fromone or more receiving units 136. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that includeinformation received from one or more processing units 112. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may be operablyassociated with one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112,display units 114, user interfaces 122, packaging units 138, shippingunits 140, or substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more user interfaces 122 may be operably associatedwith one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112, displayunits 114, transmitting units 116, packaging units 138, shipping units140, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may receive one or moresignals 126 from one or more transmitting units 116. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may be operably associatedwith one or more: receiving units 136, processing units 112, displayunits 114, transmitting units 116, user interfaces 122, shipping units140, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, oneor more shipping units 140 may ship one or more packages that includeone or more agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more shipping units140 may receive one or more signals 126 from one or more transmittingunits 116. In some embodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may beoperably associated with one or more: receiving units 136, processingunits 112, display units 114, transmitting units 116, user interfaces122, packaging units 138, or substantially any combination thereof.

Sample

Numerous types of samples 104 may be analyzed through use of system 100.In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may be associated with anindividual 102. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may beassociated with one or more individuals 102. In some embodiments, anindividual 102 may be a human. In some embodiments, an individual 102may be a group of humans who share a common pathogen infection. Forexample, in some embodiments, system 100 may be used to diagnose anindividual 102 for infection with one or more pathogens 106. In someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may include a liquid. In someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may include a solid. In someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may include a vapor. In someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may include a semi-solid. In someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may include a gas. Examples of suchsamples 104 include, but are not limited to, samples 104 obtained fromhumans (e.g., skin, breath, tissue, hair, saliva, blood, mucus,cerebrospinal fluid, urine, fecal material, tears, urogenital associatedsamples), samples 104 that are associated with, but not limited to, oneor more toxins, viruses, bacteria, protozoans, single-celled organisms,fungus, algae, prions, microbes, cyst, eggs, pathogenic proteins, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

Agent

Numerous agents 142 may be selected. In some embodiments, an agent 142may include a substance that may be used in the diagnosis, cure,mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in a human or anotheranimal. Such agents are recognized in the official United StatesPharmacopeia, official Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States,official National Formulary or any supplement thereof.

In some embodiments, an agent 142 may include a chemical agent 142. Forexample, in some embodiments, an agent 142 may be an antibiotic, asteroid, an alcohol deterrent, an analgesic, an anesthetic, an antacid,an antihelmintic, an antiallergic, an antiamebic, anantiarteriosclerotic, an antibacterial, an antibacterial adjuvant, anantiharrheal, an antidiuretic, an antifungal, an antimalarial, anantiprotozoal, an antishphilitic, an antitussive, an antiviral, achelating agent, a choleretic, a CNS stimulant, a decongestant, anantiseptic, a disinfectant, an expectorant, a glucocorticoid, an HIVfusion inhibitor, an HIV protease inhibitor, an immunomodulator, animmunosuppressant, a protease inhibitor, a pulmonary surfactant, arespiratory stimulant, a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a sedative, ahypnotic, a serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, a serotoninreceptor agonist, a serotonin receptor antagonist, a serotonin reuptakeinhibitor, a topoisomerast I inhibitor, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, atranquilizer, a vasodilator, a vasoprotectant, and the like. Numerousagents 142 are known and have been described (e.g., Merck Index,Thirteenth Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J. (2001);Mosby's Drug Guide, An Imprint of Elsevier, St. Louis, Mo. (2004); TheMerck Manual, Seventeenth Edition, Merck Research Laboratories,Whitehouse Station, N.J. (1999); Physician's Desk Reference, 58^(th)Edition, Thomson Montvale, N.J. (2004)).

In some embodiments, an agent 142 may include a mechanical agent 142.Examples of mechanical agents 142 include, but are not limited to,radiation, ultraviolet light, sonication, phototherapy, and the like.

In some embodiments, an agent 142 may include a bioagent. In someembodiments, a bioagent may be found in nature. In some embodiments, anbioagent may be synthetic. For example, in some embodiments, a bioagentmay be produced through use of recombinant nucleic acid technology. Insome embodiments, a bioagent may be assembled in vitro. For example, insome embodiments, a bioagent may be a virus and/or bacteriophage againsta pathogen that is found in nature. In some embodiments, a bioagent maybe a virus and/or bacteriophage against a pathogen that is assembled invitro. In some embodiments, a bioagent may be a virus and/orbacteriophage against a pathogen that includes recombinant nucleic acid(e.g., Merrill et al., PNAS (USA), 93:3188 (1996); Brussow,Microbiology, 151:2133-2140 (2005)). In some embodiments, an agent mayinclude a recombinant microbe. For example, in some embodiments,Yersinia, Listeria, Salmonella, and/or Shigella may be used to deliverrecombinant products through the intestinal mucosa.

In some embodiment, an agent 142 may provide a synergistic effect withanother agent. In some embodiments, a first agent 142 may increase theeffectiveness of a second agent 142. For example, in some embodiments, afirst agent 142 may be an antibacterial adjuvant (e.g., a beta-lactamaseinhibitor).

Pathogen/Pathogen Indicator

Numerous pathogens 106 may be processed, analyzed and/or detectedthrough use of system 100. In some embodiments, pathogens 106 includeintact pathogens 106 and components of pathogens 106. For example, insome embodiments, pathogens 106 may include polynucleotides and/orpolypeptides that are associated with a pathogen 106. In someembodiments, pathogens 106 may include one or more products of apathogen 106. In some embodiments, pathogens 106 may include productsand/or substrates that are associated with the activity of one or morepathogen associated enzymes. Examples of pathogens 106 that may beprocessed, analyzed and/or detected through use of system 100 include,but are not limited to, pathogens 106 associated with plants, animals,humans, fish, birds, and the like. Examples of such pathogens 106include, but are not limited to, viruses, bacteria, prions, protozoans,single-celled organisms, algae, eggs of pathogenic organisms, microbes,cysts, molds, fungus, worms, amoeba, pathogenic proteins, orsubstantially any combination thereof. Numerous pathogens 106 are knownand have been described (e.g., Foodborne Pathogens: Microbiology andMolecular Biology, Caister Academic Press, eds. Fratamico, Bhunia, andSmith (2005); Maizels et al., Parasite Antigens Parasite Genes: ALaboratory Manual for Molecular Parasitology, Cambridge University Press(1991); National Library of Medicine; Physician's Desk Reference,58^(th) Edition, Thomson P D R, Montvale, N.J. (2004)).

Numerous types of viruses may be identified. Such viruses are known andhave been described (e.g., U.S. Patent Appl. No.: 20060257852; Field'sVirology, Knipe et al, (Fifth Edition) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,Philadelphia, (2006)). Examples of such viruses include, but are notlimited to, hepatitis, influenza, avian influenza, severe acuterespiratory syndrome coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS)), human immunodeficiency virus, herpes viruses, human papillomavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, West Nile virus, and the like.

Examples of bacteria that may be identified include, but are not limitedto, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcussp., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcuspyogenes, Enterococcus sp., Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus,Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus sp., Listeria monocytogenes,Nocardia sp., Rhodococcus equi, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae,Corynebacterium diptheriae, Propionibacterium acnes, Actinomyces sp.,Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens,Clostridium tetani, Mobiluncus sp., Peptostreptococcus sp., Neisseriagonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitides, Moraxella catarrhalis, Veillonellasp., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Acinetobacter baumannii,Bordetella pertussis, Brucella sp., Campylobacter sp., Capnocytophagasp., Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, Francisellatularensis, Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacterpylori, Kingella kingae, Legionella pneumophila, Pasteurella multocida,Klebsiella granulomatis, Enterobacteriaceae, Citrobacter sp.,Enterobacter sp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus sp.,Salmonella enteriditis, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., Serratiamarcescens, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pestis, Aeromonas sp.,Plesiomonas shigelloides, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus,Vibrio vulnificus, Acinetobacter sp., Flavobacterium sp., Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Xanthomonasmaltophilia, Stenotrophomonas maltophila, Bacteroides fragilis,Bacteroides sp., Prevotella sp., Fusobacterium sp., Spirillum minus, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

Numerous prions may be identified. Examples of such prions include, butare not limited to, bovine prion protein, human prion protein, monkeyprion protein, dog prion protein, and the like. The amino acid sequencesand/or nucleotide sequences of numerous prions are known and have beenreported (e.g., Premzl and Gamulin, B M C Genomics, 8:1 (2007)).

Numerous pathogenic worms may be identified. Examples of such wormsinclude, but are not limited to, tapeworms, helminths, whipworms,hookworms, ringworms, roundworms, pinworms, ascarids, filarids, and thelike.

In some embodiments, the eggs and/or cysts of pathogens 106 may beidentified. Examples of such eggs and/or cysts include, but are notlimited to, eggs and/or cysts of: parasitic worms (e.g., Heteroderaglycines, Trichinella), amoebe (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica,Acanthamoeba), protozoans (e.g., Giardia, cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma),and the like.

Numerous protozoans may be identified. Examples of protozoans include,but are not limited to, slime molds, flagellates, ciliates, and the like(e.g., cryptosporidium, giardia, naegleria fowleri, acanthamoeba,entamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidium parvum, cyclospora cayetanensis,isospora belli, microsporidia) (Marshall et al., Clin, Micro. Rev.,10:67-85 (1997)).

Examples of pathogenic fungi include, but are not limited to, dimorphicfungi that may assume a mold form but may also adopt a yeast form,histoplasma capsulatum, coccidioides immitis, candida, aspergillus, andthe like.

Pathogenic algae include, but are not limited to, Prototheca members,Helicosporidiu members, Chattonella members (e.g., Chattonella marina),and the like.

Numerous types of pathogenic proteins may be identified and include, butare not limited to, toxins (e.g., exotoxing, endotoxins), prions, andthe like.

Numerous microbes may be identified. In some embodiments, microbes maybe prokaryotes. In some embodiments, microbes may be eukaryotes.Examples of such microbes include, but are not limited to, Giardia,amoeba (e.g., Entamoeba, Naegleria, Acanthamoeba), trypanosomes,Plasmodium (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodiumovale, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium knowlesi), Eimeria, Toxoplasma,Neospora, Mycoplasma, Leishmania, Trichomonas, Cryptosporidium,Isospora, Balantidium, protozoans, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasmaurealyticum, and the like.

In some embodiments, a pathogen 106 may be a member of numerous groupsof pathogens 106. For example, single-celled organisms may includemicrobes, protozoans, and the like. In some embodiments, a pathogen 106may include an artificial device such an electromechanical machine, anano-machine, a micro-machine, and the like.

Microfluidic Chip

Numerous types of microfluidic chips 108 may be utilized within system100. Methods to construct and utilize microfluidic chips 108 have beendescribed (e.g., U.S. Statutory Invention Registration No. H201; U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,454,945; 6,818,435; 6,812,458; 6,794,196; 6,709,869;6,582,987; 6,482,306; 5,726,404; 7,118,910; 7,081,192; hereinincorporated by reference).

In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 may be configured toutilize microfluidic principles. Accordingly, in some embodiments, amicrofluidic chip 108 may be configured to include one or more channelswith at least one dimension that is less than 1 millimeter. However, insome embodiments, microfluidic chips 108 may be configured such thatthey do not utilize microfluidic principles. Accordingly, in someembodiments, microfluidic chips 108 may be configured such that thereare not any components that have a dimension that is less than 1millimeter. Accordingly, in some embodiments, microfluidic chips 108 maybe configured that include components having a dimension that is lessthan 1 millimeter, while in other embodiments, microfluidic chips 108may be configured with components having dimensions that are greaterthan 1 millimeter. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 mayinclude at least one component that has at least one dimension that isless than 1 millimeter and at least one component having at least onedimension that is greater than 1 millimeter.

For example, microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to utilize avariety of methods to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106.Examples of such methods include, but are not limited to, nucleic acid(polynucleotide) hybridization based methods, immunological basedmethods, chromatographic based methods, affinity based methods,extraction based methods, separation based methods, isolation basedmethods, filtration based methods, enzyme based methods, isoelectricfocusing methods, or substantially any combination thereof.

Microfluidic chips 108 may utilize numerous methods to facilitatedetection of one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured toutilize: chemiluminescent methods (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,545 and5,093,268; herein incorporated by reference), plasmon resonance sensors(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,989; herein incorporated by reference),nuclear magnetic resonance detectors (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,900;herein incorporated by reference), gradient-based assays (e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 7,112,444; herein incorporated by reference), reporter beads(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,349; herein incorporated by reference),transverse electrophoresis (e.g., Macounova et al., AnalyticalChemistry, 73:1627-1633 (2001)); isoelectric focusing (e.g., Macounovaet al., Analytical Chemistry, 72:3745-3751 (2000); Xu et al.,Isoelectric focusing of green fluorescent proteins in plasticmicrofluidic channels. Abstracts of Papers of the American ChemicalSociety, 219:9-ANYL (2000); Macounova et al., Analytical Chemistry,73:1627-1633 (2001)), diffusion based systems (e.g., Kamholz et al.,Biophysical Journal, 80:1967-1972 (2001); Hatch et al., NatureBiotechnology, 19:461-465 (2001); U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,221,677; 5,972,710;herein incorporated by reference), high performance liquidchromatography (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,907; herein incorporated byreference), polynucleotide analysis (e.g., Belgrader et al., Biosensors& Bioelectronics, 14:849-852 (2000); Buchholz et al., AnalyticalChemistry, 73:157-164 (2001); Fan et al., Analytical Chemistry,71:4851-4859 (1999); Koutny et al., Analytical Chemistry, 72:3388-3391(2000); Lee et al., Microfabricated plastic chips by hot embossingmethods and their applications for DNA separation and detection. Sensorsand Actuators B-Chemical, 75:142-148 (2001); U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,216;herein incorporated by reference), capillary electrophoresis (e.g.,Kameoka et al., Analytical Chemistry, 73:1935-1941 (2001)), immunoassays(e.g., Hatch et al., Nature Biotechnology, 19:461-465 (2001); Etesholaand Leckband, D. Development and characterization of an ELISA assay inPDMS microfluidic channels. Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical 72:129-133(2001); Cheng et al., Analytical Chemistry, 73:1472-1479 (2001); Yang etal., Analytical Chemistry, 73:165-169 (2001)), flow cytometry (e.g.,Sohn et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 97:10687-10690 (2000)), PCRamplification (e.g., Belgrader et al., Biosensors & Bioelectronics,14:849-852 (2000); Khandurina et al., Analytical Chemistry, 72:2995-3000(2000); Lagally et al., Analytical Chemistry, 73:565-570 (2001)), cellmanipulation (e.g., Glasgow et al., IEEE Transactions On BiomedicalEngineering, 48:570-578 (2001)), cell separation (e.g., Yang et al.,Analytical Chemistry, 71:911-918 (1999)), cell patterning (e.g., Chiu etal., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 97:2408-2413 (2000); Folch et al., Journalof Biomedical Materials Research, 52:346-353 (2000)), chemical gradientformation (e.g., Dertinger et al., Analytical Chemistry, 73:1240-1246(2001); Jeon et al., Langmuir, 16:8311-8316 (2000)), microcantilevers(e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,141,385; 6,935,165; 6,926,864; 6,763,705;6,523,392; 6,325,904; herein incorporated by reference), orsubstantially any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to utilize one or more magnets that may be used duringprocessing and/or analysis of one or more samples 104. For example, insome embodiments, ferrous metallic particles may be associated with oneor more pathogens 106 that are associated with one or more samples 104(e.g., use of antibodies, aptamers, peptides, polynucleotides, and thelike that bind to one or more pathogen indicators and that are coupledto a ferrous metallic particle). The one or more pathogens 106 may beseparated from the remainder of the one or more samples 104 through useof one or more magnets. In some embodiments, one or more magnets may beused to create eddy currents that may be used to process and/or analyzeone or more samples 104. For example, in some embodiments, non-ferrousmetallic particles may be associated with one or more pathogens 106 thatare associated with one or more samples 104 (e.g., use of antibodies,aptamers, peptides, polynucleotides, and the like that bind to one ormore pathogen indicators and that are coupled to a non-ferrous metallicparticle). One or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured suchthat passage of a non-ferrous metallic particle through a magnetic fieldwill cause an eddy current to impart kinetic energy to the non-ferrousmetallic particle and provide for separation of the associated pathogens106 from the remainder of the one or more samples 104. In someembodiments, such methods may be combined with additional methods toprovide for separation of one or more pathogens 106 from one or moresamples 104. For example, magnetic separation may be used in combinationwith one or more methods that may include, but are not limited to,diffusion (e.g., use of an H-filter), filtration, precipitation,immunoassay, immunodiffusion, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to utilize ferrofluids to separate one or more pathogens 106from one or more samples 104. For example, in some embodiments, amicrofluidic chip 108 may include an H-filter where a sample fluid and aferrofluid flow substantially in parallel (e.g., the sample fluid andthe ferrofluid flow side-by-side through the H-filter (horizontal)and/or above and below (vertical)). In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may include a ferrofluid having magneticparticles such that ferrous materials contained within the sample fluidare attracted to the ferrofluid and thereby separated from the samplefluid. Accordingly, such microfluidic chips 108 may be configured toseparate one or more pathogens 106 from one or more samples 104. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may include a ferrofluidhaving ferrous particles such that magnetic materials contained withinthe sample fluid are attracted to the ferrofluid and thereby separatedfrom the sample fluid. Accordingly, in such embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be configured to utilize ferrofluids toseparate one or more pathogens 106 from one or more samples 104.

Microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to process numerous types ofsamples 104. For example, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108may be configured to sonicate one or more samples 104. In someembodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 may include one or more ultrasonicelectronic generators that produce a signal (e.g., 20 kilohertz) thatcan be used to drive a piezoelectric converter/transducer. Thiselectrical signal may be converted by the transducer to a mechanicalvibration due to the characteristics of the internal piezoelectriccrystals. This vibration can be amplified and transmitted to one or moreprobes having tips that expand and contract to provide for sonication ofone or more samples 104. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108may include one or more sonication probes. Such probes may be configuredsuch that are able to operably associate with one or more vibrationsources in a detachable manner. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one ormore microfluidic chips 108 that include one or more probes may beconfigured to detachably connect with one or more vibration sources thatproduce a vibration that can be coupled to the one or more probes. Insome embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may include one ormore vibration sources.

In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 may be configured to mixone or more samples 104. For example, in some embodiments, amicrofluidic chip 108 may include a mixing chamber which includes one ormore ferrous mixing members and electromagnets which are configured suchthat motion may be imparted to the one or more ferrous mixing members.In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 may include one or moremixing chambers that include two or more electromagnets positionedaround the one or more mixing chambers and one or more ferrous memberspositioned within the one or more mixing chambers and between theelectromagnets. Accordingly, mixing of one or more materials within theone or more mixing chambers may be facilitated by alternating currentbetween the electromagnets positioned around the mixing chamber. In someembodiments, a mixing chamber may include an elastomeric material thatincludes a ferrous material (e.g., an elastomeric-ferrous material) suchthat movement of the elastomeric-ferrous material may be facilitatedthrough use of one or more magnets, such as electromagnets.

In some embodiments, elastomeric-ferrous materials may be utilized tofabricate pumps that are associated with microfluidic chips 108. Forexample, in some embodiments, a tube may include an elastomeric materialthat includes ferrous material such that movement of the elastomericmaterial may be facilitated through use of one or more magnets.Accordingly, valves and ferrous materials may be associated with theelastomeric tube such that expansion of a portion of the elastomerictube through the action of a magnet, such as an electromagnetic, willact like a vacuum pump to draw fluids into the expanded portion of theelastomeric tube. In some embodiments, release of the elastomericmaterial from the magnetic field will cause the expanded portion of thetube to contract and will act to push the fluid from the formerlyexpanded portion of the elastomeric tubing. In some embodiments, valvesmay be positioned within the tube to provide for directional flow offluid through the elastomeric tube. Accordingly, such pumps may beconfigured as vacuum pumps, propulsion type pumps, and/or both vacuumand propulsion type pumps.

In some embodiments, microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to utilizemagnetically actuated fluid handling. In some embodiments, amicrofluidic chip 108 may utilize magnetic fluid (e.g., ferrofluid,ferrogel, and the like) to move one or more gases and/or liquids throughflow channels. For example, magnetically actuated slugs of magneticfluid may be moved within channels of a microfluidic chip 108 tofacilitate valving and/or pumping of one or more gases and/or liquids.In some embodiments, the magnets used to control gas and/or liquidmovement may be individual magnets that are moved along the flowchannels and/or one or more arrays of magnets that may be individuallycontrolled to hold or move one or more magnetic slugs. In someembodiments, an array of electromagnets may be positioned along a flowchannel which may be turned on and off in a predetermined pattern tomove magnetic fluid slugs in desired paths in one or more flow channels.Methods to construct magnetically actuated fluid handling devices havebeen described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,408,884 and 7,110,646; hereinincorporated by reference).

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may process oneor more samples 104 through use of polynucleotide interaction. Numerousmethods based on polynucleotide interaction may be used. Examples ofsuch methods include, but are not limited to, those based onpolynucleotide hybridization, polynucleotide ligation, polynucleotideamplification, polynucleotide degradation, and the like. Methods thatutilize intercalation dyes, FRET analysis, capacitive DNA detection, andnucleic acid amplification have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.7,118,910 and 6,960,437; herein incorporated by reference). In someembodiments, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, fluorescencequenching, molecular beacons, electron transfer, electricalconductivity, and the like may be used to analyze polynucleotideinteraction. Such methods are known and have been described (e.g.,Jarvius, DNA Tools and Microfluidic Systems for Molecular Analysis,Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from theFaculty of Medicine 161, ACTA UNIVERSITATIS UPSALIENSIS UPPSALA 2006,ISBN: 91-554-6616-8; Singh-Zocchi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,100:7605-7610 (2003); Wang et al., Anal. Chem., 75:3941-3945 (2003); Fanet al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137 (2003); U.S. Pat. Nos.6,958,216; 5,093,268; 6,090,545; herein incorporated by reference). Insome embodiments, one or more polynucleotides that include at least onecarbon nanotube are combined with one or more samples 104, and/or one ormore partially purified polynucleotides obtained from one or moresamples 104. The one or more polynucleotides that include one or morecarbon nanotubes are allowed to hybridize with one or morepolynucleotides that may be present within the one or more samples 104.The one or more carbon nanotubes may be excited (e.g., with an electronbeam and/or an ultraviolet laser) and the emission spectra of theexcited nanotubes may be correlated with hybridization of the one ormore polynucleotides that include at least one carbon nanotube with oneor more polynucleotides that are included within the one or more samples104. Methods to utilize carbon nanotubes as probes for nucleic acidinteraction have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,730; hereinincorporated by reference).

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of protein interaction. Numerous methods based on proteininteraction may be used. In some embodiments, protein interaction may beused to immobilize one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments,protein interaction may be used to separate one or more pathogens 106from one or more samples 104. Examples of such methods include, but arenot limited to, those based on ligand binding, protein-protein binding,protein cross-linking, use of green fluorescent protein, phage display,the two-hybrid system, protein arrays, fiber optic evanescent wavesensors, chromatographic techniques, fluorescence resonance energytransfer, regulation of pH to control protein assembly and/oroligomerization, regulation of ion concentration to control proteinassembly and/or oligomerization, and the like. Methods that may be usedto construct protein arrays have been described (e.g., Warren et al.,Anal. Chem., 76:4082-4092 (2004) and Walter et al., Trends Mol. Med.,8:250-253 (2002), U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,582; herein incorporated byreference).

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of peptide interaction. Peptides are generally described as beingpolypeptides that include less than one hundred amino acids. Forexample, peptides include dipeptides, tripeptides, and the like. In someembodiments, peptides may include from two to one hundred amino acids.In some embodiments, peptides may include from two to fifty amino acids.In some embodiments, peptides may include from two to one twenty aminoacids. In some embodiments, peptides may include from ten to one hundredamino acids. In some embodiments, peptides may include from ten to fiftyamino acids. Accordingly, peptides can include numerous numbers of aminoacids. Numerous methods based on peptide interaction may be used. Insome embodiments, peptide interaction may be used to immobilize one ormore pathogens 106. In some embodiments, peptide interaction may be usedto separate one or more pathogens 106 from one or more samples 104.Examples of such methods include, but are not limited to, those based onligand binding, peptide-protein binding, peptide-peptide binding,peptide-polynucleotide binding, peptide cross-linking, use of afluorescent protein, phage display, the two-hybrid system, proteinarrays, peptide arrays, fiber optic evanescent wave sensors,chromatographic techniques, fluorescence resonance energy transfer,regulation of pH to control peptide and/or protein assembly and/oroligomerization, and the like. Accordingly, virtually any technique thatmay be used to analyze proteins may be utilized for the analysis ofpeptides. In some embodiments, high-speed capillary electrophoresis maybe used to detect one or more pathogens 106 through use of fluorescentlylabeled phosphopeptides as affinity probes (Yang et al., Anal. Chem.,10.1021/ac061936e (2006)). Methods to immobilize proteins and peptideshave been reported (Taylor, Protein Immobilization: Fundamentals andApplications, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York (1991)).

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of antibody interaction. Antibodies may be raised that will bind tonumerous pathogens 106 through use of known methods (e.g., Harlow andLane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1988)). Antibodies may be configured innumerous ways within one or more microfluidic chips 108 to process oneor more pathogens 106. For example, in some embodiments, antibodies maybe coupled to a substrate within a microfluidic chip 108. One or moresamples 104 may be passed over the coupled antibodies to facilitatebinding of one or more pathogens 106 to the one or more antibodies toform one or more antibody-pathogen complexes. A labeled detectorantibody that binds to the pathogen 106 (or the antibody-pathogencomplex) may then be passed over the one or more antibody-pathogencomplexes such that the labeled detector antibody will label thepathogen 106 (or the antibody-pathogen complex). Numerous labels may beused that include, but are not limited to, enzymes, fluorescentmolecules, radioactive labels, spin labels, redox labels, and the like.In other embodiments, antibodies may be coupled to a substrate within amicrofluidic chip 108. One or more samples 104 may be passed over theantibodies to facilitate binding of one or more pathogens 106 to the oneor more antibodies to form one or more antibody-pathogen complexes. Suchbinding provides for detection of the antibody-pathogen complex throughuse of methods that include, but are not limited to, surface plasmonresonance, conductivity, and the like (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,989;herein incorporated by reference). In some embodiments, antibodies maybe coupled to a substrate within a microfluidic chip 108 to provide fora competition assay. One or more samples 104 may be mixed with one ormore reagent mixtures that include one or more labeled pathogens 106.The mixture may then be passed over the antibodies to facilitate bindingof pathogens 106 in the sample 104 and labeled pathogens 106 in thereagent mixture to the antibodies. The unlabeled pathogens 106 in thesample 104 will compete with the labeled pathogens 106 in the reagentmixture for binding to the antibodies. Accordingly, the amount of labelbound to the antibodies will vary in accordance with the concentrationof unlabeled pathogen 106 in the sample 104. In some embodiments,antibody interaction may be used in association with microcantilevers toprocess one or more pathogens 106. Methods to construct microcantileversare known (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,141,385; 6,935,165; 6,926,864;6,763,705; 6,523,392; 6,325,904; herein incorporated by reference). Insome embodiments, one or more antibodies may be used in conjunction withone or more aptamers to process one or more samples 104. Accordingly, insome embodiments, aptamers and antibodies may be used interchangeably toprocess one or more samples 104.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to process one or more samples 104 through use of chemicalinteraction. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 maybe configured to utilize chemical extraction to process one or moresamples 104. For example, in some embodiments, one or more samples 104may be mixed with a reagent mixture that includes one or more solventsin which the one or more pathogens 106 are soluble. Accordingly, thesolvent phase containing the one or more pathogens 106 may be separatedfrom the sample phase to provide for detection of the one or morepathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may be mixedwith a reagent mixture that includes one or more chemicals that causeprecipitation of one or more pathogens 106. Accordingly, the samplephase may be washed away from the one or more precipitated pathogens 106to provide for detection of the one or more pathogens 106. Accordingly,reagent mixtures that include numerous types of chemicals that interactwith one or more pathogens 106 may be used.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to process one or more samples 104 through use of diffusion.In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to process one or more fluid samples 104 through use of anH-filter. For example, a microfluidic chip 108 may be configured toinclude a channel through which a fluid sample 104 and a second fluidflow such that the fluid sample 104 and the second fluid undergosubstantially parallel flow through the channel without significantmixing of the sample fluid and the second fluid. As the fluid sample 104and the second fluid flow through the channel, one or more pathogens 106in the fluid sample 104 may diffuse through the fluid sample 104 intothe second fluid. Accordingly, such diffusion provides for theseparation of the one or more pathogens 106 from the sample 104. Methodsto construct H-filters have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.6,742,661; 6,409,832; 6,007,775; 5,974,867; 5,971,158; 5,948,684;5,932,100; 5,716,852; herein incorporated by reference). In someembodiments, diffusion based methods may be combined with immunoassaybased methods to process and detect one or more pathogens 106. Methodsto conduct microscale diffusion immunoassays have been described (e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,541,213; herein incorporated by reference). Accordingly,microfluidic chips 108 may be configured in numerous ways to process oneor more pathogens 106 through use of diffusion.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of filtration. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips108 may be configured to include one or more filters that have amolecular weight cut-off. For example, a filter may allow molecules oflow molecular weight to pass through the filter while disallowingmolecules of high molecular weight to pass through the filter.Accordingly, one or more pathogens 106 that are contained within asample 104 may be allowed to pass through a filter while largermolecules contained within the sample 104 are disallowed from passingthrough the filter. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a microfluidicchip 108 may include two or more filters that selectively retain, orallow passage, of one or more pathogens 106 through the filters. Suchconfigurations provide for selective separation of one or more pathogens106 from one or more samples 104. Membranes and filters having numerousmolecular weight cut-offs are commercially available (e.g., Millipore,Billerica, Mass.). In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips108 may be configured to provide for dialysis of one or more samples104. For example, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 may beconfigured to contain one or more samples 104 in one or more samplechambers that are separated from one or more dialysis chambers by asemi-permeable membrane. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morepathogens 106 that are able to pass through the semi-permeable membranemay be collected in the dialysis chamber. In other embodiments, one ormore pathogens 106 may be retained in the one or more sample chamberswhile other sample components may be separated from the one or morepathogens 106 by their passage through the semi-permeable membrane intothe dialysis chamber. Accordingly, one or more microfluidic chips 108may be configured to include two or more dialysis chambers for selectiveseparation of one or more pathogens 106 from one or more samples 104.Semi-permeable membranes and dialysis tubing is available from numerouscommercial sources (e.g., Millipore, Billerica, Mass.; Pierce, Rockford,Ill.; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.). Methods that may be used formicrofiltration have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,210;herein incorporated by reference).

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to process one or more samples 104 through use ofchromatography. Numerous chromatographic methods may be used to processone or more samples 104. Examples of such chromatographic methodsinclude, but are not limited to, ion-exchange chromatography, affinitychromatography, gel filtration chromatography, hydroxyapatitechromatography, gas chromatography, reverse phase chromatography, thinlayer chromatography, capillary chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, hydrophobic interaction media, and the like. In someembodiments, a microfluidic chip 108 may be configured to process one ormore samples 104 through use of one or more chromatographic methods. Insome embodiments, chromatographic methods may be used to process one ormore samples 104 for one or more pathogens 106 that include one or morepolynucleotides. For example, in some embodiments, one or more samples104 may be applied to a chromatographic media to which the one or morepolynucleotides bind. The remaining components of the sample 104 may bewashed from the chromatographic media. The one or more polynucleotidesmay then be eluted from chromatographic media in a more purified state.Similar methods may be used to process one or more samples 104 for oneor more pathogens 106 that include one or more proteins or polypeptides(e.g., Mondal and Gupta, Biomol. Eng., 23:59-76 (2006)). Chromatographymedia able to separate numerous types of molecules is commerciallyavailable (e.g., Bio-Rad, Hercules, Calif.; Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.;Pfizer, New York, N.Y.; Millipore, Billerica, Mass.; GE HealthcareBio-Sciences Corp., Piscataway, N.J.).

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to process one or more samples 104 through use of aptamerinteraction. In some embodiments, one or more aptamers may includepolynucleotides (e.g., deoxyribonucleic acid; ribonucleic acid; andderivatives of polynucleotides that may include polynucleotides thatinclude modified bases, polynucleotides in which the phosphodiester bondis replaced by a different type of bond, or many other types of modifiedpolynucleotides). In some embodiments, one or more aptamers may includepeptide aptamers. Methods to prepare and use aptamers have beendescribed (e.g., Collett et al., Methods, 37:4-15 (2005); Collet et al.,Anal. Biochem., 338:113-123 (2005); Cox et al., Nucleic Acids Res.,30:20 e108 (2002); Kirby et al., Anal. Chem., 76:4066-4075 (2004);Ulrich, Handb. Exp. Pharmacol., 173:305-326 (2006); Baines and Colas,Drug Discovery Today, 11:334-341 (2006); Guthrie et al., Methods,38:324-330 (2006); Geyer et al., Chapter 13: Selection of Genetic Agentsfrom Random Peptide Aptamer Expression Libraries, Methods in Enzymology,Academic Press, pg. 171-208 (2000); U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,630; hereinincorporated by reference). Aptamers may be configured in numerous wayswithin one or more microfluidic chips 108 to process one or morepathogens 106. For example, in some embodiments, aptamers may be coupledto a substrate within a microfluidic chip 108. One or more samples 104may be passed over the aptamers to facilitate binding of one or morepathogens 106 to the one or more aptamers to form one or moreaptamer-pathogen complexes. Labeled detector antibodies and/or aptamersthat bind to the pathogen 106 (or the aptamer-pathogen complex) may thenbe passed over the one or more aptamer-pathogen complexes such that thelabeled detector antibodies and/or aptamers will label the pathogen 106(or the aptamer-pathogen complex). Numerous labels may be used thatinclude, but are not limited to, enzymes, fluorescent molecules,radioactive labels, spin labels, redox labels, and the like. In otherembodiments, aptamers may be coupled to a substrate within amicrofluidic chip 108. One or more samples 104 may be passed over theaptamers to facilitate binding of one or more pathogens 106 to the oneor more aptamers to form one or more aptamer-pathogen complexes. Suchbinding provides for detection of the aptamer-pathogen complex throughuse of methods that include, but are not limited to, surface plasmonresonance, conductivity, and the like (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,989;herein incorporated by reference). In some embodiments, aptamers may becoupled to a substrate within a microfluidic chip 108 to provide for acompetition assay. One or more samples 104 may be mixed with one or morereagent mixtures that include one or more labeled pathogens 106. Themixture may then be passed over the aptamers to facilitate binding ofpathogens 106 in the sample 104 and labeled pathogens 106 in the reagentmixture to the aptamers. The unlabeled pathogens 106 in the sample 104will compete with the labeled pathogens 106 in the reagent mixture forbinding to the aptamers. Accordingly, the amount of label bound to theaptamers will vary in accordance with the concentration of unlabeledpathogens 106 in the sample 104. In some embodiments, aptamerinteraction may be used in association with microcantilevers to processone or more pathogens 106. Methods to construct microcantilevers areknown (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,141,385; 6,935,165; 6,926,864; 6,763,705;6,523,392; 6,325,904; herein incorporated by reference). In someembodiments, one or more aptamers may be used in conjunction with one ormore antibodies to process one or more samples 104. In some embodiments,aptamers and antibodies may be used interchangeably to process one ormore samples 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, methods and/orsystems for processing and/or detecting pathogen indicators may utilizeantibodies and aptamers interchangeably and/or in combination.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of electrical conductivity. In some embodiments, one or more samples104 may be processed through use of magnetism. For example, in someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may be combined with one or moretagged polynucleotides that are tagged with a ferrous material, such asa ferrous bead. The tagged polynucleotides and the polynucleotides inthe one or more samples 104 may be incubated to provide hybridizedcomplexes of the tagged polynucleotides and the sample polynucleotides.Hybridization will serve to couple one or more ferrous beads to thepolynucleotides in the sample 104 that hybridize with the taggedpolynucleotides. Accordingly, the mixture may be passed over anelectromagnet to immobilize the hybridized complexes. Other componentsin the sample 104 may then be washed away from the hybridized complexes.In some embodiments, a chamber containing the magnetically immobilizedhybridized complexes may be heated to release the sample polynucleotidesfrom the magnetically immobilized tagged polynucleotides. The samplepolynucleotides may then be collected in a more purified state. In otherembodiments, similar methods may be used in conjunction with antibodies,aptamers, peptides, ligands, and the like. Accordingly, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be configured in numerous ways to utilizemagnetism to process one or more samples 104. In some embodiments, oneor more samples 104 may be processed through use of eddy currents. Eddycurrent separation uses electromagnetic induction in conductingmaterials to separate non-ferrous metals by their different electricconductivities. An electrical charge is induced into a conductor bychanges in magnetic flux cutting through it. Moving permanent magnetspassing a conductor generates the change in magnetic flux. Accordingly,in some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to include a magnetic rotor such that when conductingparticles move through the changing flux of the magnetic rotor, aspiraling current and resulting magnetic field are induced. The magneticfield of the conducting particles may interact with the magnetic fieldof the magnetic rotor to impart kinetic energy to the conductingparticles. The kinetic energy imparted to the conducting particles maythen be used to direct movement of the conducting particles.Accordingly, non-ferrous particles, such as metallic beads, may beutilized to process one or more samples 104. For example, in someembodiments, one or more samples 104 may be combined with one or moretagged polynucleotides that are tagged with a non-ferrous material, suchas an aluminum bead. The tagged polynucleotides and the polynucleotidesin the one or more samples 104 may be incubated to provide hybridizedcomplexes of the tagged polynucleotides and the sample polynucleotides.Hybridization will serve to couple one or more ferrous beads to thepolynucleotides in the sample 104 that hybridize with the taggedpolynucleotides. Accordingly, the mixture may be passed through amagnetic field to impart kinetic energy to the non-ferrous bead. Thiskinetic energy may then be used to separate the hybridized complex. Inother embodiments, similar methods may be used in conjunction withantibodies, aptamers, peptides, ligands, and the like. Accordingly, oneor more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured in numerous ways toutilize eddy currents to process one or more samples 104. One or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be configured in numerous ways to utilizeelectrical conductivity to process one or more samples 104.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to process one or more samples 104 through use of isoelectricfocusing. Methods have been described that may be used to constructcapillary isoelectric focusing systems (e.g., Herr et al., Investigationof a miniaturized capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) system using afull-field detection approach, Mechanical Engineering Department,Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.; Wu and Pawliszyn, Journal ofMicrocolumn Separations, 4:419-422 (1992); Kilar and Hjerten,Electrophoresis, 10:23-29 (1989); U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,150,813; 7,070,682;6,730,516; herein incorporated by reference). Such systems may bemodified to provide for the processing of one or more samples 104.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of electrophoresis. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidicchips 108 may be configured to process one or more samples 104 throughuse of one-dimensional electrophoresis. In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be configured to process one or more samples104 through use of two-dimensional electrophoresis. In some embodiments,one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to process one ormore samples 104 through use of gradient gel electrophoresis. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured toprocess one or more samples 104 through use of electrophoresis underdenaturing conditions. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidicchips 108 may be configured to process one or more samples 104 throughuse of electrophoresis under native conditions. One or more microfluidicchips 108 may be configured to utilize numerous electrophoretic methods.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of immunoassay. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips108 may be configured to process one or more samples 104 through use ofenzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). In some embodiments, one ormore microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to process one or moresamples 104 through use of radioimmuno assay (RIA). In some embodiments,one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to process one ormore samples 104 through use of enzyme immunoassay (EIA). In someembodiments, such methods may utilize antibodies (e.g., monoclonalantibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, single-chainantibodies, and the like), aptamers, or substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, a labeled antibody and/or aptamer may beused within an immunoassay. Numerous types of labels may be utilized inassociation with immunoassays. Examples of such labels include, but arenot limited to, radioactive labels, fluorescent labels, enzyme labels,spin labels, magnetic labels, gold labels, colorimetric labels, redoxlabels, and the like. Numerous immunoassays are known and may beconfigured for processing one or more samples 104.

In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to facilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of one or more competition assays. In some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be configured to process one or more samples104 through use of one or more polynucleotide based competition assays.One or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to include one ormore polynucleotides coupled to a substrate, such as a polynucleotidearray. The one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be further configuredso that a sample 104 and/or substantially purified polynucleotidesobtained from one or more samples 104, may be mixed with one or morereagent mixtures that include one or more labeled polynucleotides toform an analysis mixture. This analysis mixture is then passed over thesubstrate such that the labeled polynucleotides and the samplepolynucleotides are allowed to hybridize to the polynucleotides that areimmobilized on the substrate. The sample polynucleotides and the labeledpolynucleotides will compete for binding to the polynucleotides that arecoupled on the substrate. Accordingly, the presence and/or concentrationof the polynucleotides in the sample 104 can be determined throughdetection of the label (e.g., the concentration of the polynucleotidesin the sample 104 will be inversely related to the amount of label thatis bound to the substrate). Numerous labels may be used that include,but are not limited to, enzymes, fluorescent molecules, radioactivelabels, spin labels, redox labels, and the like. In some embodiments,one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured to include one ormore antibodies, proteins, peptides, and/or aptamers that are coupled toa substrate. The one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be furtherconfigured so that a sample 104 and/or substantially purified samplepolypeptides and/or sample peptides obtained from one or more samples104, may be mixed with one or more reagent mixtures that include one ormore labeled polypeptides and/or labeled peptides to form an analysismixture. This analysis mixture can then be passed over the substratesuch that the labeled polypeptides and/or labeled peptides and thesample polypeptides and/or sample peptides are allowed to bind to theantibodies, proteins, peptides, and/or aptamers that are immobilized onthe substrate. The sample polypeptides and/or sample peptides and thelabeled polypeptides and/or sample peptides will compete for binding tothe antibodies, proteins, peptides, and/or aptamers that are coupled onthe substrate. Accordingly, the presence and/or concentration of thesample polypeptides and/or sample peptides in the sample 104 can bedetermined through detection of the label (e.g., the concentration ofthe sample polypeptides and/or sample peptides in the sample 104 will beinversely related to the amount of label that is bound to thesubstrate). Numerous labels may be used that include, but are notlimited to, enzymes, fluorescent molecules, radioactive labels, spinlabels, redox labels, and the like. Microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to utilize numerous types of competition assays.

Accordingly, microfluidic chips 108 may be configured for analysis ofnumerous types of pathogens 106 (e.g., intact pathogen 106 and/orportion of pathogen).

Analysis Unit

System 100 may include one or more analysis units 110. Analysis units110 may be configured for analysis of numerous types of pathogens 106.In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configuredfor analysis of one or more polynucleotides, polypeptides,polysaccharides, enzyme activities, and the like. In some embodiments,one or more polynucleotides, polypeptides, polysaccharides, enzymeactivities, and the like that are associated with one or more pathogens106 may be analyzed. In some embodiments, one or more polynucleotides,polypeptides, polysaccharides, enzyme activities, and the like that areassociated with pathogen 106 activity may be analyzed.

For example, in some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may beconfigured for analysis of one or more polypeptides through use ofnumerous techniques that include, but are not limited to, competitionassays, immunological methods (e.g., sandwich assays), and the like.

In other embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configuredfor analysis of one or more polynucleotides through use of numeroustechniques that include, but are not limited to, competition assays,electron transfer assays, electrical conductivity assays, and the like.

In some embodiments, an analysis unit 110 may include one or morecentrifugation units. In some embodiments, one or more centrifugationunits may be configured to operably associate with one or moremicrofluidic chips 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morecentrifugation units may be used to facilitate analysis and/or detectionof one or more pathogens 106. Methods to fabricate devices that may beused to drive fluid movement through centripetal acceleration in amicrofluidics system have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,869;herein incorporated by reference).

For example, in some embodiments, one or more centrifugation units maybe used to facilitate the analysis of one or more polynucleotides fromone or more samples 104 that are applied to one or more microfluidicchips 108 (e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/699,770;11/699,920; 11/699,747; and 11/699,774; herein incorporated byreference).

In some embodiments, one or more centrifugation units may be configuredto centrifuge one or more microfluidic chips 108 to facilitate movementof one or more samples 104, one or more reagents, one or more fluids,and the like through the one or more microfluidic chips 108.

In some embodiments, one or more centrifugation units may be configuredto centrifuge one or more microfluidic chips 108 to create a gradient.In some embodiments, velocity gradients may be created to facilitateanalysis of one or more samples 104. For example, glycerol gradients maybe used to separate polypeptides from one or more samples 104. In otherembodiments, density gradients may be created to facilitate analysis ofone or more samples 104. For example, cesium chloride may be used tocreate a density gradient to facilitate the analysis of one or morepolynucleotides. In some embodiments, gradient centrifugation may beused to analyze one or more viral particles.

In some embodiments, one or more centrifugation units may be configuredto centrifuge one or more microfluidic chips 108 to facilitatechromatographic separations of components within one or more samples104. For example, chromatographic media may be packed within amicrofluidic chip 108 to facilitate the separation of components, suchas pathogens 106, from one or more samples 104. Such chromatographicmedia is commercially available (e.g., Qiagen Sciences, Germantown, Md.and Pfizer, New York, N.Y.).

In some embodiments, an analysis unit 110 may include one or morereagent delivery units. In some embodiments, one or more reagentdelivery units may be configured to operably associate with one or moremicrofluidic chips 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morereagent delivery units may be configured to contain one or more reagentsthat may be used within one or more microfluidic chips 108 to analyzeand/or detect one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one ormore reagent delivery units may include one or more pumps to facilitatedelivery of one or more reagents. Numerous types of pumps may be usedwithin a reagent delivery unit. In some embodiments, one or more reagentdelivery units may be configured to operably associate with one or morecentrifugation units. Accordingly, reagents may be delivered through useof centrifugal force. Reagent delivery units may be configured innumerous ways. For example, in some embodiments, reagent delivery unitsmay include one or more reagent reservoirs, one or more waste reservoirsor substantially any combination thereof. Reagent delivery units may beconfigured to contain and/or deliver numerous types of reagents.Examples of such reagents include, but are not limited to, phenol,chloroform, alcohol, salt solutions, detergent solutions, solvents,reagents used for polynucleotide precipitation, reagents used forpolypeptide precipitation, reagents used for polynucleotide extraction,reagents used for polypeptide extraction, reagents used for chemicalextractions, and the like. Accordingly, reagent delivery units may beconfigured to contain and/or deliver virtually any reagent that may beused for the analysis of one or more pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured tofacilitate detection of one or more pathogens 106 with at least onetechnique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemical detection,polynucleotide detection, fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescenceresonance energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, electricalconductivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation,immunoseparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, use of aCCD camera, immunoassay, or substantially any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured tooperably associate with one or more microfluidic chips 108. For example,in some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may include awindow (e.g., a quartz window, a cuvette analog, and/or the like)through which one or more analysis units 110 may determine if one ormore pathogens 106 are present and/or determine the concentration of oneor more pathogens 106. In such embodiments, one or more analysis units110 may be configured to utilize numerous techniques, such as visiblelight spectroscopy, ultraviolet light spectroscopy, infraredspectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and the like, to detect one ormore pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured tofacilitate detection and/or analysis of one or more pathogens 106through use of surface plasmon resonance. In some embodiments, one ormore microfluidic chips 108 may include one or more antibodies,aptamers, proteins, peptides, polynucleotides, and the like, that arebound to a substrate (e.g., a metal film) that is associated with aprism through which one or more analysis units 110 may shine light todetect one or more pathogens 106 that interact with the one or moreantibodies, aptamers, proteins, peptides, polynucleotides, and the like,that are bound to a substrate.

In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured tofacilitate detection and/or analysis of one or more pathogens 106through use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In such embodiments,the analysis units 110 may be configured to accept an NMR probe and areconfigured to detect one or more pathogens 106 through use of NMRspectroscopy.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of spectroscopy. Numerous types of spectroscopicmethods may be used. Examples of such methods include, but are notlimited to, ultraviolet spectroscopy, visible light spectroscopy,infrared spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy,mass spectroscopy, plasmon resonance (e.g., Cherif et al., ClinicalChemistry, 52:255-262 (2006) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,989; hereinincorporated by reference), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy,Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence quenching, fluorescence resonanceenergy transfer, intrinsic fluorescence, ligand fluorescence, and thelike.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of electrochemical detection. In some embodiments,one or more polynucleotides may be analyzed through use ofelectrochemical detection. For example, in some embodiments, apolynucleotide that includes a redox label, such as ferrocene is coupledto a gold electrode. The labeled polynucleotide forms a stem-loopstructure that can self-assemble onto a gold electrode by means offacile gold-thiol chemistry. Hybridization of a sample polynucleotideinduces a large conformational change in the surface-confinedpolynucleotide structure, which in turn alters the electron-transfertunneling distance between the electrode and the redoxable label. Theresulting change in electron transfer efficiency may be measured bycyclic voltammetry (Fan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137(2003); Wang et al., Anal. Chem., 75:3941-3945 (2003); Singh-Zocchi etal., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:7605-7610 (2003)). Such methods may beused to analyze numerous polynucleotides, such as messenger ribonucleicacid, genomic deoxyribonucleic acid, fragments thereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of polynucleotide analysis. In some embodiments,one or more analysis units 110 may be configured to use polynucleotideanalysis. Numerous methods may be used to analyze one or morepolynucleotides. Examples of such methods include, but are not limitedto, those based on polynucleotide hybridization, polynucleotideligation, polynucleotide amplification, polynucleotide degradation, andthe like. Methods that utilize intercalation dyes, fluorescenceresonance energy transfer, capacitive deoxyribonucleic acid detection,and nucleic acid amplification have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.7,118,910 and 6,960,437; herein incorporated by reference). Such methodsmay be adapted to provide for analysis of one or more pathogens 106. Insome embodiments, fluorescence quenching, molecular beacons, electrontransfer, electrical conductivity, and the like may be used to analyzepolynucleotide interaction. Such methods are known and have beendescribed (e.g., Jarvius, DNA Tools and Microfluidic Systems forMolecular Analysis, Digital Comprehensive Summaries of UppsalaDissertations from the Faculty of Medicine 161, ACTA UNIVERSITATISUPSALIENSIS UPPSALA 2006, ISBN: 91-554-6616-8; Singh-Zocchi et al.,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:7605-7610 (2003); Wang et al., Anal. Chem.,75:3941-3945 (2003); Fan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137(2003); U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,958,216; 5,093,268; 6,090,545; hereinincorporated by reference). In some embodiments, one or morepolynucleotides that include at least one carbon nanotube may becombined with one or more samples 104, and/or one or more partiallypurified polynucleotides obtained from one or more samples 104. The oneor more polynucleotides that include one or more carbon nanotubes areallowed to hybridize with one or more polynucleotides that may bepresent within the one or more samples 104. The one or more carbonnanotubes may be excited (e.g., with an electron beam and/or anultraviolet laser) and the emission spectra of the excited nanotubes maybe correlated with hybridization of the one or more polynucleotides thatinclude at least one carbon nanotube with one or more polynucleotidesthat are included within the one or more samples 104. Accordingly,polynucleotides that hybridize to one or more pathogens 106 may includeone or more carbon nanotubes. Methods to utilize carbon nanotubes asprobes for nucleic acid interaction have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat.No. 6,821,730; herein incorporated by reference). Numerous other methodsbased on polynucleotide analysis may be used to analyze one or morepathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of fluorescence anisotropy. Fluorescence anisotropyis based on measuring the steady state polarization of samplefluorescence imaged in a confocal arrangement. A linearly polarizedlaser excitation source preferentially excites fluorescent targetmolecules with transition moments aligned parallel to the incidentpolarization vector. The resultant fluorescence is collected anddirected into two channels that measure the intensity of thefluorescence polarized both parallel and perpendicular to that of theexcitation beam. With these two measurements, the fluorescenceanisotropy, r, can be determined from the equation: r=(Intensityparallel−Intensity perpendicular)/(Intensity parallel+2(Intensityperpendicular)) where the I terms indicate intensity measurementsparallel and perpendicular to the incident polarization. Fluorescenceanisotropy detection of fluorescent molecules has been described.Accordingly, fluorescence anisotropy may be coupled to numerousfluorescent labels as have been described herein and as have beendescribed.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).Fluorescence resonance energy transfer refers to an energy transfermechanism between two fluorescent molecules. A fluorescent donor isexcited at its fluorescence excitation wavelength. This excited state isthen nonradiatively transferred to a second molecule, the fluorescentacceptor. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer may be used withinnumerous configurations to detected and/or analyze one or more pathogens106. For example, in some embodiments, an antibody may be labeled with afluorescent donor and one or more pathogens 106 may be labeled with afluorescent acceptor. Accordingly, such labeled antibodies and pathogens106 may be used within competition assays to facilitate detection and/orthe determination of the concentration of one or more pathogens 106 inone or more samples 104. Numerous combinations of fluorescent donors andfluorescent acceptors may be used to analyze one or more pathogens 106.Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 maybe configured to include a window (e.g., quartz) through whichfluorescent light may pass to provide for detection of one or morepathogens 106 through use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer.Accordingly, fluorescence resonance energy transfer may be used inconjunction with competition assays and/or numerous other types ofassays to analyze and/or detect one or more pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of electron transfer. Electron transfer is theprocess by which an electron moves from an electron donor to an electronacceptor causing the oxidation states of the electron donor and theelectron acceptor to change. In some embodiments, electron transfer mayoccur when an electron is transferred from one or more electron donorsto an electrode. In some embodiments, electron transfer may be utilizedwithin competition assays to analyze one or more pathogens 106. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 mayinclude one or more polynucleotides that may be immobilized on one ormore electrodes. The immobilized polynucleotides may be incubated with areagent mixture that includes sample polynucleotides and polynucleotidesthat are tagged with an electron donor. Hybridization of the taggedpolynucleotides to the immobilized polynucleotides allows the electrondonor to transfer an electron to the electrode to produce a detectablesignal 126. Accordingly, a decrease in signal due to the presence of oneor more polynucleotides that are pathogens 106 in the reagent mixtureindicates the presence of a pathogen 106 in the sample 104. Such methodsmay be used in conjunction with polynucleotides, polypeptides, peptides,antibodies, aptamers, and the like. One or more analysis units 110 maybe configured to operably associate with one or more microfluidic chips108 to utilize numerous electron transfer based assays to provide fordetection of one or more pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of one or more enzyme assays. Numerous enzymeassays may be used to provide for detection of one or more pathogens106. Examples of such enzyme assays include, but are not limited to,beta-galactosidase assays, peroxidase assays, catalase assays, alkalinephosphatase assays, and the like. In some embodiments, enzyme assays maybe configured such that an enzyme will catalyze a reaction involving anenzyme substrate that produces a fluorescent product. Accordingly, oneor more analysis units 110 may be configured to facilitate detection offluorescence resulting from the fluorescent product. Enzymes andfluorescent enzyme substrates are known and are commercially available(e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.). In some embodiments, enzymeassays may be configured as binding assays that provide for detection ofone or more pathogens 106. For example, in some embodiments, one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 may be configured to include a substrate to whichis coupled one or more antibodies, aptamers, peptides, proteins,polynucleotides, ligands, and the like, that will interact with one ormore pathogens 106. One or more samples 104 may be passed across thesubstrate such that one or more pathogens 106 present within the one ormore samples 104 will interact with the one or more antibodies,aptamers, peptides, proteins, polynucleotides, ligands, and the like,and be immobilized on the substrate. One or more antibodies, aptamers,peptides, proteins, polynucleotides, ligands, and the like, that arelabeled with an enzyme may then be passed across the substrate such thatthe one or more labeled antibodies, aptamers, peptides, proteins,polynucleotides, ligands, and the like, will bind to the one or moreimmobilized pathogens 106. An enzyme substrate may then be introduced tothe one or more immobilized enzymes such that the enzymes are able tocatalyze a reaction involving the enzyme substrate to produce afluorescent product. Such assays are often referred to as sandwichassays. Accordingly, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured toprovide for detection of one or more products of enzyme catalysis toprovide for detection of one or more pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of electrical conductivity. In some embodiments,one or more analysis units 110 may be configured to provide fordetection of one or more pathogens 106 through use of electricalconductivity. In some embodiments, microfluidic chips 108 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more analysis units 110such that the one or more analysis units 110 can detect one or morepathogens 106 through use of electrical conductivity. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may be configured toinclude two or more electrodes that are each coupled to one or moredetector polynucleotides. Interaction of a pathogen associatedpolynucleotide, such as hybridization, with two detector polynucleotidesthat are coupled to two different electrodes will complete an electricalcircuit. This completed circuit will provide for the flow of adetectable electrical current between the two electrodes and therebyprovide for detection of one or more pathogen associated polynucleotidesthat indicate the presence of one or more pathogens 106. In someembodiments, the electrodes may be carbon nanotubes (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.6,958,216; herein incorporated by reference). In some embodiments,electrodes may include, but are not limited to, one or more conductivemetals, such as gold, copper, iron, silver, platinum, and the like; oneor more conductive alloys; one or more conductive ceramics; and thelike. In some embodiments, electrodes may be selected and configuredaccording to protocols typically used in the computer industry thatinclude, but are not limited to, photolithography, masking, printing,stamping, and the like. In some embodiments, other molecules andcomplexes that interact with one or more pathogens 106 may be used todetect the one or more pathogens 106 through use of electricalconductivity. Examples of such molecules and complexes include, but arenot limited to, proteins, peptides, antibodies, aptamers, and the like.For example, in some embodiments, two or more antibodies may beimmobilized on one or more electrodes such that contact of the two ormore antibodies with a pathogen 106, such as a spore, a bacterium, avirus, an egg, a worm, a cyst, a protozoan, a single-celled organism, afungus, an algae, and the like, will complete an electrical circuit andfacilitate the production of a detectable electrical current.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of isoelectric focusing. In some embodiments,analysis units 110 may be configured to provide for detection of one ormore pathogens 106 through use of isoelectric focusing. In suchembodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured toassociate with one or more microfluidic chips 108 that are configured toutilize isoelectric focusing to detect and/or analyze one or morepathogens 106. In some embodiments, native isoelectric focusing may beutilized. In some embodiments, denaturing isoelectric focusing may beutilized. Methods to construct microfluidic channels that may be usedfor isoelectric focusing have been reported (e.g., Macounova et al.,Anal Chem., 73:1627-1633 (2001); Macounova et al., Anal Chem.,72:3745-3751 (2000); Herr et al., Investigation of a miniaturizedcapillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) system using a full-fielddetection approach, Mechanical Engineering Department, StanfordUniversity, Stanford, Calif.; Wu and Pawliszyn, Journal of MicrocolumnSeparations, 4:419-422 (1992); Kilar and Hjerten, Electrophoresis,10:23-29 (1989); U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,150,813; 7,070,682; 6,730,516; hereinincorporated by reference). In some embodiments, one or more analysisunits 110 may be configured to include one or more CCD cameras that canbe used to detect one or more pathogens 106 that are analyzed throughisoelectric focusing. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units110 may be configured to include one or more spectrometers that can beused to detect one or more pathogens 106. Numerous types ofspectrometers may be utilized to detect one or more pathogens 106following isoelectric focusing. In some embodiments, one or moreanalysis units 110 may be configured to utilize refractive index todetect one or more pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of chromatographic methodology alone or incombination with additional analysis and/or detection methods. In someembodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured for usewith chromatographic methods. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one ormore analysis units 110 may be configured to operably associate with oneor more microfluidic chips 108 and detect one or more pathogens 106 thatwere analyzed through use of chromatographic methods. In someembodiments, the one or more analysis units 110 may be configured tooperably associate with one or more microfluidic chips 108 and supplysolvents and other reagents to the one or more microfluidic chips 108.For example, in some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 mayinclude pumps and solvent/buffer reservoirs that are configured tosupply solvent/buffer flow through chromatographic media (e.g., achromatographic column) that is operably associated with one or moremicrofluidic chips 108. Numerous types of chromatographic methods andmedia may be used to analyze one or more samples 104 and provide fordetection of one or more pathogens 106. Chromatographic methods include,but are not limited to, low pressure liquid chromatography, highpressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), microcapillary low pressureliquid chromatography, microcapillary high pressure liquidchromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography,gel filtration chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, thin layerchromatography, paper chromatography, gas chromatography, and the like.Methods that may be used to prepare microcapillary HPLC columns (e.g.,columns with a 100 micrometer-500 micrometer inside diameter) have beendescribed (e.g., Davis et al., Methods, A Companion to Methods inEnzymology, 6: Micromethods for Protein Structure Analysis, ed. by JohnE. Shively, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, 304-314 (1994); Swiderek etal., Trace Structural Analysis of Proteins. Methods of Enzymology, ed.by Barry L. Karger & William S. Hancock, Spectrum, Publisher Services,271, Chap. 3, 68-86 (1996); Moritz and Simpson, J. Chromatogr.,599:119-130 (1992)). Methods to prepare affinity columns have beendescribed. Briefly, a biotinylated site may be engineered into apolypeptide, peptide, aptamer, antibody, or the like. The biotinylatedprotein may then be incubated with avidin coated polystyrene beads andslurried in Tris buffer. The slurry may then be packed into a capillaryaffinity column through use of high pressure packing. Affinity columnsmay be prepared that may include one or more molecules and/or complexesthat interact with one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, one or more aptamers that bind to one or more pathogens 106may be used to construct an affinity column. Accordingly, numerouschromatographic methods may be used alone, or in combination withadditional methods, to process and detect one or more pathogens 106.Numerous detection methods may be used in combination with numeroustypes of chromatographic methods. Accordingly, one or more analysisunits 110 may be configured to utilize numerous detection methods todetect one or more pathogens 106 that are analyzed through use of one ormore chromatographic methods. Examples of such detection methodsinclude, but are not limited to, conductivity detection, use ofion-specific electrodes, refractive index detection, calorimetricdetection, radiological detection, detection by retention time,detection through use of elution conditions, spectroscopy, and the like.For example, in some embodiments, one or more chromatographic markersmay be added to one or more samples 104 prior to the samples 104 beingapplied to a chromatographic column. One or more analysis units 110 thatare operably associated with one or more microfluidic chips 108 thatinclude a chromatographic column may be configured to detect the one ormore chromatographic markers and use the elution time and/or position ofthe chromatographic markers as a calibration tool for use in detectingone or more pathogens 106. Accordingly, chromatographic methods may beused in combination with additional methods and in combination withnumerous types of detection methods.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of immunoprecipitation. In some embodiments, one ormore analysis units 110 may be configured to provide for detection ofone or more pathogens 106 through use of immunoprecipitation. In someembodiments, an analysis unit 110 may be configured to associated withone or more microfluidic chips 108 that are configured to utilizeimmunoprecipitation to analyze one or more pathogens 106. In someembodiments, immunoprecipitation may be utilized in combination withadditional analysis and/or detection methods to analyze and/or detectone or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more analysisunits 110 may be configured to analyze one or more samples 104 throughuse of immunoprecipitation. For example, in some embodiments, one ormore samples 104 may be combined with one or more antibodies that bindto one or more pathogens 106 to form one or more antibody-pathogencomplexes. An insoluble form of an antibody binding constituent, such asprotein A (e.g., protein A-sepharose bead, protein A-magnetic bead,protein A-ferrous bead, protein A-non-ferrous bead, and the like),Protein G, a second antibody, an aptamer, and the like, may then bemixed with the antibody-pathogen complex such that the insolubleantibody binding constituent binds to the antibody-pathogen complex andprovides for precipitation of the antibody-pathogen complex. Suchcomplexes may be separated from other sample components to provide fordetection of one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, sample components may be washed away from the precipitatedantibody-pathogen complexes. In some embodiments, one or more analysisunits 110 that are configured for immunoprecipitation may include one ormore centrifugation units to assist in precipitating one or moreantibody-pathogen complexes. In some embodiments, aptamers (polypeptideand/or polynucleotide) may be used in combination with antibodies or inplace of antibodies. Accordingly, one or more analysis units 110 may beconfigured to detect one or more pathogens 106 through use of numerousdetection methods in combination with immunoprecipitation based methods.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be analyzed throughuse of immunoseparation. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units110 may be configured to analyze one or more pathogens 106 through useof immunoseparation. For example, in some embodiments, an analysis unit110 may be configured to associate with one or more microfluidic chips108 that are configured to analyze one or more pathogens 106 through useof immunoseparation. In some embodiments, immunoseparation may beutilized in combination with additional analysis and/or detectionmethods to detect one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one ormore analysis units 110 may be configured to analyze one or more samples104 through use of immunoseparation. For example, in some embodiments,one or more samples 104 may be combined with one or more antibodies thatbind to one or more pathogens 106 to form one or more antibody-pathogencomplexes. An antibody binding constituent may be added that binds tothe antibody-pathogen complex. Examples of such antibody bindingconstituents that may be used alone or in combination include, but arenot limited to, protein A (e.g., protein A-sepharose bead, proteinA-magnetic bead, protein A-ferrous bead, protein A-non-ferrous bead, andthe like), Protein G, a second antibody, an aptamer, and the like. Suchantibody binding constituents may be mixed with an antibody-pathogencomplex such that the antibody binding constituent binds to theantibody-pathogen complex and provides for separation of theantibody-pathogen complex. In some embodiments, the antibody bindingconstituent may include a tag that allows the antibody bindingconstituent and complexes that include the antibody binding constituentto be separated from other components in one or more samples 104. Insome embodiments, the antibody binding constituent may include a ferrousmaterial. Accordingly, antibody-pathogen complexes may be separated fromother sample components through use of a magnet, such as anelectromagnet. In some embodiments, an antibody binding constituent mayinclude a non-ferrous metal. Accordingly, antibody-pathogen complexesmay be separated from other sample components through use of an eddycurrent to direct movement of one or more antibody-pathogen complexes.In some embodiments, two or more forms of an antibody bindingconstituents may be used to detect one or more pathogens 106. Forexample, in some embodiments, a first antibody binding constituent maybe coupled to a ferrous material and a second antibody bindingconstituent may be coupled to a non-ferrous material. Accordingly, thefirst antibody binding constituent and the second antibody bindingconstituent may be mixed with antibody-pathogen complexes such that thefirst antibody binding constituent and the second antibody bindingconstituent bind to antibody-pathogen complexes that include differentpathogens 106. Accordingly, in such embodiments, different pathogens 106from a single sample 104 and/or a combination of samples 104 may beseparated through use of direct magnetic separation in combination witheddy current based separation. In some embodiments, one or more samples104 may be combined with one or more antibodies that bind to one or morepathogens 106 to form one or more antibody-pathogen complexes. In someembodiments, the one or more antibodies may include one or more tagsthat provide for separation of the antibody-pathogen complexes. Forexample, in some embodiments, an antibody may include a tag thatincludes one or more magnetic beads, a ferrous material, a non-ferrousmetal, an affinity tag, a size exclusion tag (e.g., a large bead that isexcluded from entry into chromatographic media such thatantibody-pathogen complexes pass through a chromatographic column in thevoid volume), and the like. Accordingly, one or more analysis units 110may be configured to analyze one or more pathogens 106 through use ofnumerous analysis methods in combination with immunoseparation basedmethods. In some embodiments, aptamers (polypeptide and/orpolynucleotide) may be used in combination with antibodies or in placeof antibodies.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be analyzed throughuse of aptamer binding. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units110 may be configured to analyze one or more pathogens 106 through useof aptamer binding. In some embodiments, aptamer binding may be utilizedin combination with additional analysis and/or detection methods todetect one or more pathogens 106. For example, in some embodiments, oneor more samples 104 may be combined with one or more aptamers that bindto one or more pathogens 106 to form one or more aptamer-pathogencomplexes. Such complexes may be detected through use of numerousmethods that include, but are not limited to, fluorescence resonanceenergy transfer, fluorescence quenching, surface plasmon resonance, andthe like. In some embodiments, aptamer binding constituents may be addedthat bind to the aptamer-pathogen complex. Numerous aptamer bindingconstituents may be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, one ormore aptamers may include one or more tags to which one or more aptamerbinding constituents may bind. Examples of such tags include, but arenot limited to, biotin, avidin, streptavidin, histidine tags, nickeltags, ferrous tags, non-ferrous tags, and the like. In some embodiments,one or more tags may be conjugated with a label to provide for detectionof one or more complexes. Examples of such tag-label conjugates include,but are not limited to, Texas red conjugated avidin, alkalinephosphatase conjugated avidin, CY2 conjugated avidin, CY3 conjugatedavidin, CY3.5 conjugated avidin, CY5 conjugated avidin, CY5.5 conjugatedavidin, fluorescein conjugated avidin, glucose oxidase conjugatedavidin, peroxidase conjugated avidin, rhodamine conjugated avidin,agarose conjugated anti-protein A, alkaline phosphatase conjugatedprotein A, anti-protein A, fluorescein conjugated protein A, IRDye® 800conjugated protein A, peroxidase conjugated protein A, sepharose proteinA, alkaline phosphatase conjugated streptavidin, AMCA conjugatedstreptavidin, anti-streptavidin (Streptomyces avidinii) (rabbit) IgGFraction, beta-galactosidase conjugated streptavidin, CY2 conjugatedstreptavidin, CY3 conjugated streptavidin, CY3.5 conjugatedstreptavidin, CY5 conjugated streptavidin, CY5.5 conjugatedstreptavidin, fluorescein conjugated streptavidin, IRDye® 700DXconjugated streptavidin, IRDye® 800 conjugated streptavidin, IRDye®800CW conjugated streptavidin, peroxidase conjugated streptavidin,phycoerythrin conjugated streptavidin, rhodamine conjugatedstreptavidin, Texas red conjugated streptavidin, alkaline phosphataseconjugated biotin, anti-biotin (rabbit) IgG fraction, beta-galactosidaseconjugated biotin, glucose oxidase conjugated biotin, peroxidaseconjugated biotin, alkaline phosphatase conjugated protein G,anti-protein G (rabbit) Agarose conjugated, anti-protein G (Rabbit) IgGfraction, fluorescein conjugated protein G, IRDye® 800 conjugatedprotein G, peroxidase conjugated protein G, and the like. Many suchlabeled tags are commercially available (e.g., Rockland Immunochemicals,Inc., Gilbertsville, Pa.). Such labels may also be used in associationwith other methods to analyze and detect one or more pathogens 106.Aptamer binding constituents may be mixed with an aptamer-pathogencomplex such that the aptamer binding constituent binds to theaptamer-pathogen complex and provides for separation of theaptamer-pathogen complex. In some embodiments, the aptamer bindingconstituent may include a tag that allows the aptamer bindingconstituent and complexes that include the aptamer binding constituentto be separated from other components in one or more samples 104. Insome embodiments, the aptamer binding constituent may include a ferrousmaterial. Accordingly, aptamer-pathogen complexes may be separated fromother sample components through use of a magnet, such as anelectromagnet. In some embodiments, an aptamer binding constituent mayinclude a non-ferrous metal. Accordingly, aptamer-pathogen complexes maybe separated from other sample components through use of an eddy currentto direct movement of one or more aptamer-pathogen complexes. In someembodiments, two or more forms of aptamer binding constituents may beused to analyze one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, a first aptamer binding constituent may be coupled to aferrous material and a second aptamer binding constituent may be coupledto a non-ferrous material. Accordingly, the first aptamer bindingconstituent and the second aptamer binding constituent may be mixed withaptamer-pathogen complexes such that the first aptamer bindingconstituent and the second aptamer binding constituent bind toaptamer-pathogen complexes that include different pathogens 106.Accordingly, in such embodiments, different pathogens 106 from a singlesample 104 and/or a combination of samples 104 may be separated throughuse of direct magnetic separation in combination with eddy current basedseparation. In some embodiments, one or more samples 104 may be combinedwith one or more aptamers that bind to one or more pathogens 106 to formone or more aptamer-pathogen complexes. In some embodiments, the one ormore aptamers may include one or more tags that provide for separationof the aptamer-pathogen complexes. For example, in some embodiments, anaptamer may include a tag that includes one or more magnetic beads, aferrous material, a non-ferrous metal, an affinity tag, a size exclusiontag (e.g., a large bead that is excluded from entry into chromatographicmedia such that antibody-pathogen complexes pass through achromatographic column in the void volume), and the like. Accordingly,one or more analysis units 110 may be configured to detect one or morepathogens 106 in combination with numerous analysis methods. In someembodiments, antibodies may be used in combination with aptamers and/orin place of aptamers.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be analyzed throughuse of electrophoresis. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units110 may be configured to analyze one or more samples 104 through use ofelectrophoresis. In some embodiments, such analysis units 110 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more microfluidic chips 108that are configured to detect and/or analyze one or more pathogens 106through use of electrophoresis. Numerous electrophoretic methods may beutilized to analyze and/or detect one or more pathogens 106. Examples ofsuch electrophoretic methods include, but are not limited to, capillaryelectrophoresis, one-dimensional electrophoresis, two-dimensionalelectrophoresis, native electrophoresis, denaturing electrophoresis,polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, agarose gel electrophoresis, and thelike. Numerous detection methods may be used in combination with one ormore electrophoretic methods to detect one or more pathogens 106. Insome embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected according tothe position to which the one or more pathogens 106 migrate within anelectrophoretic field (e.g., a capillary and/or a gel). In someembodiments, the position of one or more pathogens 106 may be comparedto one or more standards. For example, in some embodiments, one or moresamples 104 may be mixed with one or more molecular weight markers priorto gel electrophoresis. The one or more samples 104 that include the oneor more molecular weight markers, may be subjected to electrophoresisand then the gel may be stained. In some embodiments, refraction,absorbance, and/or fluorescence may be used to determine the position ofsample components within a gel. In such embodiments, the molecularweight markers may be used as a reference to detect one or morepathogens 106 present within the one or more samples 104. In someembodiments, one or more components that are known to be present withinone or more samples 104 may be used as a reference to detect one or morepathogens 106 present within the one or more samples 104. In someembodiments, gel shift assays may be used to detect one or morepathogens 106. For example, in some embodiments, a sample 104 (e.g., asingle sample 104 or combination of multiple samples 104) may be splitinto a first sample 104 and a second sample 104. The first sample 104may be mixed with an antibody, aptamer, ligand, or other molecule and/orcomplex that binds to the one or more pathogens 106. The first andsecond samples 104 may then be subjected to electrophoresis. The gelscorresponding to the first sample 104 and the second sample 104 may thenbe analyzed to determine if one or more pathogens 106 are present withinthe one or more samples 104. Analysis units 110 may be configured innumerous ways to analyze and detect one or more pathogens 106 throughuse of electrophoresis.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be detected and/oranalyzed through use of one or more charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras.In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 that include one ormore CCD cameras may be configured to operably associate with one ormore microfluidic chips 108. Such analysis units 110 may be utilized incombination with numerous analysis methods. Examples of such methodsinclude, but are not limited to, electrophoresis; competition assays;methods based on polynucleotide interaction, protein interaction,peptide interaction, antibody interaction, aptamer interaction,immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, and the like. For example, insome embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may be configured toanalyze one or more samples 104 through use of immunoprecipitation. Insome embodiments, one or more antibodies may be conjugated to afluorescent label such that binding of one or more labeled antibodies toone or more pathogens 106 included within one or more samples 104 willform a fluorescently labeled antibody-pathogen complex. One or moreinsoluble pathogen binding constituents, such as a sepharose bead thatincludes an antibody or aptamer that binds to the one or more pathogens106, may be bound to the fluorescently labeled antibody-pathogen complexand used to precipitate the complex. One or more analysis units 110 thatinclude a CCD camera that is configured to detect fluorescent emissionfrom the one or more fluorescent labels may be used to detect the one ormore pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one or more CCD cameras may beconfigured to utilize dark frame subtraction to cancel background andincrease sensitivity of the camera. In some embodiments, one or moreanalysis units 110 may include one or more filters to select and/orfilter wavelengths of energy that can be detected by one or more CCDcameras (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,065; herein incorporated byreference). In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 mayinclude polarized lenses. One or more analysis units 110 may beconfigured in numerous ways to utilize one or more CCD cameras to detectone or more pathogens 106.

In some embodiments, one or more pathogens 106 may be analyzed throughuse of immunoassay. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110may be configured to analyze one or more samples 104 through use ofimmunoassay. In some embodiments, one or more analysis units 110 may beconfigured to operably associate with one or more microfluidic chips 108that are configured to analyze one or more samples 104 through use ofimmunoassay. Numerous types of detection methods may be used incombination with immunoassay based methods. In some embodiments, a labelmay be used within one or more immunoassays that may be detected by oneor more analysis units 110. Examples of such labels include, but are notlimited to, fluorescent labels, spin labels, fluorescence resonanceenergy transfer labels, radiolabels, electrochemiluminescent labels(e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,093,268; 6,090,545; herein incorporated byreference), and the like. In some embodiments, electrical conductivitymay be used in combination with immunoassay based methods.

In some embodiments, an analysis unit 110 may be configured to utilizenumerous detection methods. Examples of such detection methods include,but are not limited to, colorimetric methods, spectroscopic methods,resonance based methods, electron transfer based methods (redox),conductivity based methods, gravimetric based assays, turbidity basedmethods, ion-specific based methods, refractive index based methods,radiological based methods, or substantially any combination thereof.

Processing Unit

The system 100 may include one or more processing units 112. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may include memory and/orone or more databases that include information related to agents 142. Insome embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may access memoryand/or one or more databases that include information related to agents142. Such information may include: identities of agents 142,contraindications of agents 142, dosages for use of agents 142,administration schedules for agents 142, methods of administration foragents 142, cost of agents 142, coverage of agents 142 by insurancecompanies, coverage of agents 142 by health care providers, chemicalstructures for agents 142, generic names for agents 142, brand names foragents 142, geographical distributions for agents 142, regulatoryrestrictions related to agents 142, alternatives to agents 142,side-effects of agents 142, agents 142 that reduce the pathogenicity ofpathogens 106, stability of agents 142, shelf-life of agents 142,recommended shipping procedures for agents 142, and the like.Accordingly, one or more processing units 112 may access memory and/orone or more databases to determine one or more agents 142 that may beused to reduce the pathogenicity of one or more detected pathogens 106.In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may access one ormore remote databases. For example, in some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may access one or more databases at pharmaceuticalcompanies, pharmacies, health care facilities, and the like.Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayinclude a computer. In some embodiments, one or more processing units112 may perform numerous types of calculations. For example, in someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may calculate one or moredosages of one or more agents 142 for administration to one or moreindividuals 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may perform numerous types of calculations inresponse to information related to one or more individuals 102. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 maycalculate dosages of one or more agents 142 for administration to one ormore specific individuals 102.

Display Unit

The system 100 may include one or more display units 114. Numerous typesof display units 114 may be used in association with system 100.Examples of such display units 114 include, but are not limited to,liquid crystal displays, printers, audible displays, cathode raydisplays, plasma display panels, Braille displays, passive displays,chemical displays, active displays, and the like. In some embodiments,display units 114 may display information in numerous languages.Examples of such languages include, but are not limited to, English,Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and the like. In someembodiments, display units 114 may display information pictographically,calorimetrically, and/or physically, such as displaying information inBraille.

In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may be physicallycoupled to one or more microfluidic chips 108. In some embodiments, oneor more display units 114 may be remotely coupled to one or moremicrofluidic chips 108. In some embodiments, one or more display units114 may be physically coupled to one or more analysis units 110. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may be remotely coupled toone or more analysis units 110. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may be physically coupled to one or more detection units. Insome embodiments, one or more display units 114 may be remotely coupledto one or more detection units. Accordingly, one or more display units114 may be positioned in one or more locations that are remote from theposition where analysis of one or more pathogens 106 takes place.Examples of such remote locations include, but are not limited to, theoffices of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and the like.

Signal

Numerous types of signals 126 may be used in association with system100. Examples of such signals 126 include, but are not limited to,optical signals 126, radio signals 126, wireless signals 126, hardwiredsignals 126, infrared signals 126, ultrasonic signals 126, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more signals 126 may not be encrypted. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 126 may be encrypted. In someembodiments, one or more signals 126 may be sent through use of a securemode of transmission. For example, in some embodiments, one or moresignals 126 may be transmitted to a specified individual. In someembodiments, one or more signals 126 may be transmitted to a specifiedgroup. In some embodiments, one or more signals 126 may include codethat is specific for an individual. In some embodiments, such code mayinclude anonymous code that is specific for an individual. Accordingly,information included within one or more signals 126 may be protectedagainst being accessed by others who are not the intended recipient. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 126 may include information thatincludes statements regarding non-disclosure of information includedwithin the one or more signals 126 (e.g., statements against copyinginformation, statements against unauthorized dissemination ofinformation, statements about unauthorized opening of an informationpacket by an unintended recipient, and the like). In some embodiments,one or more signals 126 may be sent in a manner that conforms withprivacy regulations as set forth by law. For example, in someembodiments, one or more signals 126 may be transmitted in accordancewith the Health Information Privacy and Protection Act.

Transmitting Unit

The system 100 may include one or more transmitting units 116. Numeroustypes of transmitting units 116 may be used in association with system100. Examples of such transmitting units 116 include, but are notlimited to, transmitters that transmit one or more optical signals,radio signals, wireless signals, hardwired signals, infrared signals,ultrasonic signals, and the like (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE39,785;7,260,768; 7,260,764; 7,260,402; 7,257,327; 7,215,887; 7,218,900; hereinincorporated by reference). In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that areencrypted. Numerous types of transmitters are known and have beendescribed (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. and Published U.S. Patent Applications:U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,236,595; 7,260,155; 7,227,956; US2006/0280307; hereinincorporated by reference).

Receiving Unit

The system 100 may include one or more receiving units 136. Numeroustypes of receiving units 136 may be used in association with system 100.Examples of such receiving units 136 include, but are not limited to,receivers that receive one or more optical signals, radio signals,wireless signals, hardwired signals, infrared signals, ultrasonicsignals, and the like. Such receivers are known and have been described(e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE39,785; 7,218,900; 7,254,160; 7,245,894;7,206,605; herein incorporated by reference).

Accepting Unit

The system 100 may include one or more accepting units 118. In someembodiments, one or more accepting units 118 may accept input 120 fromone or more users 124. In some embodiments, the user 124 may be anindividual 102 from whom one or more samples 104 were obtained. In someembodiments, the user 124 may be someone other than an individual 102from whom one or more samples 104 were obtained. In some embodiments,input 120 may be entered into one or more accepting units 118 throughuse of a user interface 122. For example, in some embodiments, input 120may be entered into an accepting unit 118 through use of a keyboard, akeypad, an audio based system, a wireless system, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more users 124 may enter input 120 into an acceptingunit 118 through use of a wireless device, such as a mobile telephone,personal data assistant, a radio transmitter, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more accepting units 118 may include a touch screenon which informational choices are displayed. For example, a touchscreen may display a series of questions that a user 124 may answer.Such questions may include questions pertaining to an individual's 102height, weight, blood pressure, exercise habits, substance use habits,sleep habits, occupation, insurance provider, health care provider,financial information, location, cholesterol level, metabolicindicators, and the like. In some embodiments, an accepting unit 118 mayinclude memory in which input 120 may be stored. In some embodiments, anaccepting unit 118 may include a database in which input 120 may bestored. In some embodiments, an accepting unit 118 may include areceiver that is configured to receive wireless signals 126. In someembodiments, an accepting unit 118 may include a receiver that isconfigured to operably connect to a telephone connection, a data port, adigital cable, an optical cable, and the like.

Input

Numerous types of input 120 may be entered into system 100. Examples ofsuch input 120 include, but are not limited to, an individual's 102height, weight, blood pressure, exercise habits, substance use habits,sleep habits, occupation, insurance provider, health care provider,financial information, location, cholesterol level, metabolicindicators, and the like.

Packaging Unit

The system 100 may include one or more packaging units 138. In someembodiments, packaging units 138 may be configured to package one ormore agents 142 in unit dosage form. In some embodiments, packagingunits 138 may be configured to package one or more agents 142 innumerous types of administration forms. For example, in someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package one or moreagents 142 in packaging material that provides for release of the one ormore agents 142 at selected positions within an individual 102 (e.g.,stomach, intestine, eye, nose, lungs, etc.). In some embodiments, one ormore packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142 in packagingmaterial that provides for administration of the one or more agents 142.For example, in some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 maypackage one or more agents 142 for interperitoneal administration, nasaladministration, pulmonary administration, intravenous administration,intraperitoneal administration, and the like. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142 with oneor more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

Shipping Unit

The system 100 may include one or more shipping units 140. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may address one or morepackages for delivery to a destination. Examples of such destinationsinclude, but are not limited to, the residence of an individual 102, ahospital, a medical field station, a ship, a health care facility, apharmacy, and the like. In some embodiments, a shipping unit 140 mayinclude circuitry and program instructions that provide for access toshipping schedules and routes used by shipping companies. Accordingly,in some embodiments, a shipping unit 140 may determine a route forshipping one or more packages that is responsive to the identity of oneor more agents 142 that are to be shipped. For example, in someembodiments, an agent 142 may need to be packaged in dry ice to preservethe agent 142. Accordingly, a shipping unit 140 may select overnightdelivery to a destination to preserve the integrity of the agent 142.Accordingly, one or more shipping units 140 may select a schedule androute that is appropriate for an agent 142 that is to be shipped.

User Interface/User

Numerous types of users 124 may interact with system 100. In someembodiments, a user 124 may be human. In some embodiments, a user 124may be non-human. In some embodiments, a user 124 may interact with oneor more microfluidic chips 108, one or more reagent delivery units, oneor more centrifugation units, one or more analysis units 110, one ormore detection units, one or more display units 114, one or more userinterfaces 122, or substantially any combination thereof. The user caninteract through use of numerous types of user interfaces 122. Forexample, one or more users 124 may interact through use of numerous userinterfaces 122 that utilize hardwired methods, such as through use of akeyboard, use of wireless methods, use of the internet, and the like. Insome embodiments, a user 124 may be a health-care worker. Examples ofsuch health-care workers include, but are not limited to, physicians,nurses, pharmacists, and the like. In some embodiments, a user 124 maybe a hiker, a farmer, a food inspector, a cook, a traveler, and thelike.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a method foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 and determining one or more agents142 that may be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of theone or more pathogens 106. In FIG. 2 and in following figures thatinclude various examples of operations used during performance of themethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to anyone or combination of the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/orwith respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should beunderstood that the operations may be executed in a number of otherenvironments and contexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also,although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s)illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes anidentifying operation 210 involving identifying one or more pathogenspresent within one or more samples obtained from an individual throughuse of one or more microfluidic chips. In some embodiments, one or moreanalysis units 110 may be used to identify one or more pathogens 106present within one or more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102through use of one or more microfluidic chips 108.

After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes an acceptingoperation 220 involving accepting input associated with the individualfrom whom the one or more samples were obtained. In some embodiments,one or more accepting units 118 may be used to accept input 120associated with an individual 102 from whom one or more samples 104 wereobtained.

After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes a determiningoperation 230 involving determining one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may beused to determine one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of one or more pathogens 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example embodiments where theidentifying operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 302, operation 304,and/or operation 306.

At operation 302, the identifying operation 210 may include acceptingthe one or more samples with the one or more microfluidic chips. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may accept one or moresamples 104. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 mayaccept one or more samples 104 that include one or more liquids. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may accept one or moresamples 104 that include one or more solids. In some embodiments, one ormore microfluidic chips 108 may accept one or more samples 104 thatinclude one or more gases. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidicchips 108 may accept one or more samples 104 that include one or morebiological samples 104. Examples of biological samples 104 include, butare not limited to, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, mucus, breath, urine,fecal material, skin, tissue, tears, hair, and the like.

At operation 304, the identifying operation 210 may include processingthe one or more samples with the one or more microfluidic chips tofacilitate analysis of one or more pathogen indicators associated withthe one or more samples. In some embodiments, the identifying operation210 may include processing one or more samples 104 with one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 through use of polynucleotide interaction,protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody interaction, chemicalinteraction, diffusion, filtration, chromatography, aptamer interaction,electrical conductivity, isoelectric focusing, electrophoresis,immunoassay, competition assay, or substantially any combinationthereof.

At operation 306, the identifying operation 210 may include analyzingone or more pathogen indicators with one or more analysis units that areconfigured to operably associate with the one or more microfluidicchips. In some embodiments, identifying operation 210 may includeanalyzing the one or more pathogen indicators with one or more analysisunits 110 through use of at least one technique that includesspectroscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detection,fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer,electron transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectricfocusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, aptamerbinding, electrophoresis, use of a CCD camera, immunoassay, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example embodiments where theaccepting operation 220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 402, and/or operation404.

At operation 402, the accepting operation 220 may include acceptinginput associated with one or more parameters related to the individual.In some embodiments, one or more accepting units 118 may accept input120 associated with one or more parameters related to an individual 102.In some embodiments, the one or more parameters may be physicalparameters. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters may bepsychological parameters. In some embodiments, the one or moreparameters may be financial parameters. In some embodiments, the one ormore parameters may be health care provided related parameters (e.g.,physician's name, insurance provider, HMO name, prescription plan,etc.).

At operation 404, the accepting operation 220 may include acceptinginput associated with one or more parameters related to age, weight,height, body composition, substance use, liver health, allergies,prescription drug use, non-prescription drug use, insurance coverage,pregnancy status, blood pressure, child bearing plans, one or moreactivities, environmental exposure, diagnosed disease, disease status,treatment history, family history, genetic markers, diseasepredisposition, or location. In some embodiments, one or more acceptingunits 118 may accept input 120 associated with one or more parametersrelated to age, weight, height, body composition (e.g., body mass index,fat percentage), substance use (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs),liver health, allergies, prescription drug use, non-prescription druguse, insurance coverage (e.g., prescription plan, insurance limits,limitations on providers, HMO limitations), pregnancy status (e.g.,pregnant, not pregnant, unknown), blood pressure, child bearing plans(e.g., yes, no, time when planning to become pregnant), one or moreactivities (e.g., travel, athletic activities, occupational activities,driving), location (e.g., travel to foreign nation, local address, town,city), or substantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where thedetermining operation 230 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 502, operation 504,operation 506, operation 508, and/or operation 510.

At operation 502, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingone or more chemical agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicityof the at least one of the one or more pathogens that are identified. Insome embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may identify one ormore chemical agents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity ofat least one pathogen 106 that is identified. Numerous chemical agents142 may be identified. Examples of such chemical agents 142 include, butare not limited to, antibiotics, ozone, peroxides, chlorinatedcompounds, acids, bases, alcohols, and the like (e.g., Merck Index,Thirteenth Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J. (2001)and Mosby's Drug Guide, An Imprint of Elsevier, St. Louis, Mo. (2004)).In some embodiments, such chemical agents 142 may be identified that arespecific for one or more identified pathogens 106.

At operation 504, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingone or more mechanical agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of the at least one of the one or more pathogens that areidentified. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayidentify one or more mechanical agents 142 that can be used to reducethe pathogenicity of at least one pathogen 106 that is identified.Numerous mechanical agents 142 may be identified. Examples of suchmechanical agents 142 include, but are not limited to, ultravioletlight, irradiation, and the like. In some embodiments, such mechanicalagents 142 may be identified that are specific for one or moreidentified pathogens 106.

At operation 506, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingthe one or more bioagents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicityof at least one of the one or more pathogens that are identified. Insome embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may identify one ormore bioagents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at leastone of the one or more pathogens 106 that are identified. For example,in some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may identify oneor more bacteriophages that may be used to reduce the disease causingability of a bacteria. In some embodiments, one or more processing units112 may identify one or more invasive recombinant bacteria that may beused to deliver a gene product that may be used to reduce the diseasecausing ability of one or more pathogens. For example, in someembodiments, such recombinant bacteria may be engineered to produce anantibiotic. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayidentify one or more inactivated pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria,fungi) that may be used to induce an immune response against one or morepathogens.

At operation 508, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingthe one or more agents that are not contraindicated by one or moresubstances used by the individual. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that are notcontraindicated by one or more substances used by an individual 102. Forexample, in some embodiments, an individual 102 may use one or moreprescription medications. In such embodiments, one or more processingunits 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that do not contraindicatethe one or more prescription medications. In some embodiments, anindividual 102 may use one or more substances such as tobacco or alcoholthat may contraindicate an agent 142. Accordingly, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that are notaffected by one or more substances used by an individual 102 and/or thatdo not affect one or more substances used by an individual 102.Accordingly, one or more processing units 112 may identify one or moreagents 142 with regard to numerous types of substances used by anindividual 102.

At operation 510, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingthe one or more additional agents that act synergistically with the oneor more agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at leastone of the one or more pathogens. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more additional agents 142 thatact synergistically with the one or more agents 142 that can be used toreduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens.In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may identify oneor more additional agents 142 that increase the effectiveness of one ormore antibiotics. For example, in some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more antibacterial adjuvants(e.g., beta-lactamase inhibitors) that may act synergistically with oneor more antibiotics. In some embodiments, one or more processing units112 may identify one or more agents 142 that up regulate an immuneresponse against a pathogen that may act synergistically with one ormore other agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more processing units112 may identify one or more agents 142 that down regulate an immuneresponse against a pathogen that may act synergistically with one ormore other agents 142.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates example embodiments where thedetermining operation 230 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 602, operation 604,and/or operation 606.

At operation 602, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingthe one or more agents in response to one or more parameters associatedwith the individual. In some embodiments, one or more processing units112 may identify one or more agents 142 in response to one or moreparameters associated with the individual 102. Accordingly, in someembodiments, one or more agents 142 may be identified for application toa specific individual 102. Such embodiments provide for personalizedselection and dosing of agents 142 that may be used to treat pathogeninfection. Numerous parameters associated with an individual 102 may beconsidered. Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited to,size, weight, allergies, body composition, substance use, and the like.

At operation 604, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingone or more agents in response to at least one parameter associated withthe individual that includes age, weight, height, body composition,substance use, liver health, allergies, prescription drug use,non-prescription drug use, insurance coverage, pregnancy status, bloodpressure, environmental exposure, diagnosed disease, disease status,treatment history, family history, genetic markers, diseasepredisposition, or child bearing plans. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 in response toat least one parameter associated with the individual 102 that includesage, weight, height, body composition, substance use, liver health,allergies, prescription drug use, non-prescription drug use, insurancecoverage, pregnancy status, blood pressure, child bearing plans, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

At operation 606, the determining operation 230 may include identifyingone or more agents that reduce the pathogenicity of at least one virus,bacterium, worm, egg, cyst, protozoan, single-celled organism, fungus,algae, pathogenic protein, or microbe. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that reduce thepathogenicity of at least one virus, bacterium, worm, egg, cyst,protozoan, single-celled organism, fungus, algae, pathogenic protein, ormicrobe. Numerous agents 142 are known that will reduce thepathogenicity of one or more pathogens 106 (The Merck Index, 13thEdition, An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, Merck &Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J. 2001; Mosby's Drug Guide, Mosby,Inc., St. Louis, Mo. 2004; Remington: The Science and Practice ofPharmacy, 20th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pa.2000; Physicians' Desk Reference, 58th Edition, Thompson, P D R,Montvale, N.J. 2004).

FIG. 7 illustrates operational flow 700 that includes operations 710,720, and 730, that correspond to operations 210, 220, and 230 asillustrated in FIG. 2, with an optionally included displaying operation740 and represents examples of operations that are related to theperformance of a method for identifying one or more pathogens 106 anddetermining one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. In FIG.7 and in following figures that include various examples of operationsused during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to any one or combination of the above-describedexamples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to other examples andcontexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may beexecuted in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modifiedversions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 700 optionally includes adisplaying operation 740 involving displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may be used to display information associated with one or moreagents 142. Numerous types of display units 114 may be used to displayinformation. Examples of such display units 114 include, but are notlimited to, liquid crystal displays, light emitting diode displays,audio displays, Braille displays, graphical displays, and the like.Numerous types of information may be displayed. Examples of such typesof information include, but are not limited to, the identity of one ormore agents 142, the dosage of one or more agents 142, contraindicationsassociated with the one or more agents 142, administration method to beused with one or more agents 142, administration schedule associatedwith one or more agents 142, and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 700 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiments where thedisplaying operation 740 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 802, operation 804,and/or operation 806.

At operation 802, the displaying operation 740 may include displaying anidentity of the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or moredisplay units 114 may be used to display an identity of one or moreagents 142. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 maydisplay the identity of one or more agents 142 in numerous languages(e.g., English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, etc.). In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may display the identity ofone or more agents 142 according to chemical name, brand name, genericname, name according to location (e.g., name in a given country), andthe like.

At operation 804, the displaying operation 740 may include displayingdosage information associated with the one or more agents. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may be used to display dosageinformation associated with one or more agents 142. In some embodiments,dosage may be displayed with reference to a schedule. For example, insome embodiments, an agent 142 may be administered more often at a lowerdosage while in other embodiments the agent 142 may be administered lessoften at a higher dose. In some embodiments, a dosage of one or moreagents 142 may depend upon the method used to administer the one or moreagents 142. For example, in some embodiments, an agent 142 may beadministered orally, intravenously, or nasally. Accordingly, the dosagethat is displayed may depend on the methods used to administer the agent142.

At operation 806, the displaying operation 740 may include displayinginstructions associated with use of the one or more agents. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may be used to displayinstructions associated with use of one or more agents 142. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may display a schedule foradministration of one or more agents 142. In some embodiments, one ormore display units 114 may display instructions with regard to routesfor administration of one or more agents 142. In some embodiments, oneor more display units 114 may display instructions for food and/orbeverage consumption during administration of one or more agents 142.Accordingly, numerous types of information may be displayed by one ormore display units 114.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 700 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where thedisplaying operation 740 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 902, operation 904,and/or operation 906.

At operation 902, the displaying operation 740 may include displayinginformation associated with cost of the one or more agents. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may be used to displayinformation associated with the cost of one or more agents 142. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may display a combination ofagents 142 based on the combined cost of the agents 142. For example, insome embodiments, two or more agents 142 may be displayed that arecompatible with each other and an individual 102 as well as providingthe lowest cost when compared to other comparable agents 142. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may display a group of agents142 and their associated cost. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may display a group of agents 142 and information related towhether the cost of the agents 142 will be paid by an individual'shealth care plan or insurance. Numerous types of information may bedisplayed with regard to the cost of one or more agents 142.

At operation 904, the displaying operation 740 may include displayinginformation associated with insurance coverage related to the one ormore agents. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may beused to display information associated with insurance coverage relatedto one or more agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may display a group of agents 142 and information related towhich of the agents 142 are included within a health care or insuranceplan. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 may displayalternative health care or insurance plans under which the cost of oneor more agents 142 will be covered. Accordingly, in such embodiments, anindividual 102 may be presented with information that allows theindividual 102 to select an insurance or health care plan under whichthe cost of one or more agents 142 will be covered.

At operation 906, the displaying operation 740 may include displayingone or more contraindications associated with the one or more agents. Insome embodiments, one or more display units 114 may be used to displayone or more contraindications associated with one or more agents 142. Insome embodiments, one or more display units 114 may display one or moreselected agents 142 and additional agents 142 that contraindicate theselected agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114may display activities that are contraindicated by one or more selectedagents 142. For example, in some embodiments, one or more display units114 may indicate that an individual 102 should not drive or operatemachinery following administration of one or more agents 142.Accordingly, numerous types of information may be displayed.

FIG. 10 illustrates operational flow 1000 that includes operations 1010,1020, 1030, and 1040 that correspond to operations 710, 720, 730, and740 as illustrated in FIG. 7 with an optionally included transmittingoperation 1050 and represents examples of operations that are related tothe performance of a method for identifying one or more pathogens 106and determining one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. In FIG.10 and in following figures that include various examples of operationsused during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to any one or combination of the above-describedexamples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to other examples andcontexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may beexecuted in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modifiedversions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1000 optionally includes atransmitting operation 1050 involving transmitting one or more signalsthat include information associated with the one or more agents. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may be used to transmitone or more signals 126 that include information associated with one ormore agents 142. The one or more transmitting units 116 may transmitsignals 126 through use of numerous technologies. For example, suchsignals 126 may be transmitted through use of the internet, radio waves,optical cables, cellular telephone connections, telephone connections,satellite telephone connections, and the like. The one or more signals126 may be transmitted to, and received by, numerous types of receivers.For example, one or more signals 126 may be received by pharmacies,hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, health care providers,nutraceutical companies, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1000 of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 1050 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 1102,operation 1104, operation 1106, operation 1108, operation 1110, and/oroperation 1112.

At operation 1102, the transmitting operation 1050 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith the identity of one or more agents. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with the identity of one or more agents142. For example, in some embodiments, one or more transmitting units116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with the brand name, the generic name, the chemical name, thestructure, identifiers associated with an agent 142, or substantiallyany combination thereof.

At operation 1104, the transmitting operation 1050 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith the individual. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with an individual 102. One or more signals 126 that includenumerous types of information associated with an individual 102 may betransmitted. Examples of such information include, but are not limitedto, height, weight, age, substances used by an individual 102 (e.g.,alcohol, tobacco, prescription medication, non-prescription medication,illicit drugs, etc.), body composition, allergies, physicalcharacteristics (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, intraocular pressure,etc.), activities, and the like.

At operation 1106, the transmitting operation 1050 may includetransmitting the one or more signals through use of a secure connection.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit oneor more signals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, insome embodiments, one or more signals may be encrypted. In someembodiments, one or more signals may be sent through use of a securemode of transmission. For example, in some embodiments, one or moresignals may be transmitted to a specified individual. In someembodiments, one or more signals may be transmitted to a specifiedgroup. In some embodiments, one or more signals may include code that isspecific for an individual. In some embodiments, such code may includeanonymous code that is specific for an individual. Accordingly,information included within one or more signals may be protected againstbeing accessed by others who are not the intended recipient. In someembodiments, one or more signals may include information that includesstatements regarding non-disclosure of information included within theone or more signals (e.g., statements against copying information,statements against unauthorized dissemination of information, statementsabout unauthorized opening of an information packet by an unintendedrecipient, and the like). In some embodiments, one or more signals maybe sent in a manner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forthby law. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals may betransmitted in accordance with the Health Information Privacy andProtection Act. In some embodiments, one or more signals may be sentwith information that includes a request for a return receipt.

At operation 1108, the transmitting operation 1050 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more pathogens. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with the one or more pathogens 106. The one ormore signals 126 may include numerous types of information associatedwith one or more pathogens 106. Examples of such information include theidentity of a pathogen 106, the concentration of a pathogen 106, drugresistance characteristics of a pathogen 106, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with the virulence ofone or more pathogens 106. For example, some pathogenic strains of E.coli exhibit increased virulence relative to other strains of E. coli.Such virulent strains may be identified by the presence of virulencedeterminants. Examples of such virulence determinants include, but arenot limited to, adhesions (e.g., CFAI/CFAII, type 1 fimbriae, Pfimbriae, S fimbriae, Intimin), invasions (e.g., hemolysisn,siderophores and siderophore uptake systems, Shigella-like “invasins”for intracellular invasion and spread), toxins (e.g., LT toxin, STtoxin, Shiga-like toxin, cytotoxins, endotoxin LPS), antiphagocyticsurface properties (e.g., capsules, K antigens, lipopolysaccharides),somatic antigens, flagellar antigens, and the like. Accordingly, one ormore signals may include information related to numerous types ofvirulence indicators.

At operation 1110, the transmitting operation 1050 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith one or more locations of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with one or morelocations of the one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with where an individual102 is physically experiencing a pathogen infection (e.g., eyeinfection, nasal infection, gastrointestinal tract infection, etc). Insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one ormore signals 126 that include information associated with thegeographical location of the pathogen 106. For example, one or moresignals 126 may include information that indicates where the pathogen106 and/or individual 102 who is infected with the pathogen 106 islocated (e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc.).In some embodiments, the one or more signals 126 may include globalpositioning system (GPS) coordinates.

At operation 1112, the transmitting operation 1050 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith one or more locations of the individual. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with one or more locations of theindividual 102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116may transmit one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith the geographical location of an individual 102. For example, one ormore signals 126 may include information that indicates where anindividual 102 is located (e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, Asia,Middle East, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more signals 126 mayinclude global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow 1200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a method foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 and determining one or more agents142 that may be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of theone or more pathogens 106. In FIG. 12 and in following figures thatinclude various examples of operations used during performance of themethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to anyone or combination of the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/orwith respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should beunderstood that the operations may be executed in a number of otherenvironments and contexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also,although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s)illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1200 includes a receivingoperation 1210 involving receiving one or more signals that includeinformation associated with one or more agents determined in response toone or more pathogens present within one or more samples obtained froman individual and input associated with the individual from whom the oneor more samples were obtained. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units 136 may be used to receive one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with one or more agents 142 determined inresponse to one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 and input 120 associated with theindividual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104 were obtained. Insome embodiments, the one or more signals 126 may include informationassociated with the identity of one or more agents 142, the dosage ofone or more agents 142, the method of administration for one or moreagents 142, contraindications associated with the one or more agents142, an administration schedule associated with the one or more agents142, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 126 mayinclude information associated with an individual 102 that includes, butis not limited to, physical characteristics of the individual 102 (e.g.,height, weight, body composition, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.),mental characteristics of an individual 102 (e.g., mood, depression,mental disorders, predisposition toward suicide, etc.), physiologicalcharacteristics (e.g., allergic responses, blood pressure drop inresponse to medication, etc.), and the like.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1200 includes a processingoperation 1220 involving processing the information associated with oneor more agents determined in response to one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual and the inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may beused to process information associated with one or more agents 142determined in response to one or more pathogens 106 present within oneor more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102 and input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 maysearch one or more databases to determine one or more agents 142 thatmay be utilized to reduce the pathogenicity of the one or more pathogens106. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 may searchone or more databases to determine one or more agents 142 that may bealternatives to an identified agent 142. In some embodiments, one ormore processing units 112 may determine if the cost of one or moreagents 142 is covered by a health care plan or insurance of anindividual 102. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112may determine if the cost of one or more agents 142 is covered by ahealth care plan or the insurance of an individual 102 and identifyalternative agents 142 that are covered. In some embodiments, one ormore processing units 112 may determine if the one or more agents 142are available in the location of the individual 102. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may determine alternativeagents 142 that are available at the location of the individual 102.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1302, operation 1304,operation 1306, operation 1308, operation 1310, and/or operation 1312.

At operation 1302, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include an identity of the one or moreagents. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receiveone or more signals 126 that include an identity of one or more agents142. For example, in some embodiments, one or more receiving units 136may receive one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith the brand name, the generic name, the chemical name, the structure,identifiers associated with an agent 142, or substantially anycombination thereof.

At operation 1304, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with one ormore dosages of the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with one or more dosages of the one or moreagents 142. In some embodiments, the one or more dosages may becommercially available dosages. In some embodiments, the one or moredosages may be specific for an individual 102 (e.g., dosages that aredetermined based on the physical characteristics of the individual 102,the metabolic characteristics of the individual 102, etc.).

At operation 1306, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with theindividual. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 136 mayreceive one or more signals 126 that include information associated withan individual 102. One or more signals 126 that include numerous typesof information associated with an individual 102 may be received.Examples of such information include, but are not limited to, height,weight, age, substances used by an individual 102 (e.g., alcohol,tobacco, prescription medication, non-prescription medication, illicitdrugs, etc.), body composition, allergies, physical characteristics(e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, intraocular pressure, etc.),activities, and the like.

At operation 1308, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals through use of a secure connection. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, in someembodiments, one or more signals may be received that are encrypted. Insome embodiments, one or more signals may be received through use of asecure mode. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals mayonly be received by a specified individual. In some embodiments, one ormore signals may be received by a specified group. In some embodiments,one or more signals may include code that is specific for an individual.In some embodiments, such code may include anonymous code that isspecific for an individual. Accordingly, information included within oneor more signals may be protected against being accessed by others whoare not the intended recipient. In some embodiments, one or more signalsmay include information that includes statements regardingnon-disclosure of information included within the one or more signals(e.g., statements against copying information, statements againstunauthorized dissemination of information, statements about unauthorizedopening of an information packet by an unintended recipient, and thelike). In some embodiments, one or more signals may be received in amanner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forth by law. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more signals may be received inaccordance with the Health Information Privacy and Protection Act. Insome embodiments, receipt of one or more signals will cause a returnreceipt to be sent that confirms receipt of the one or more signals.

At operation 1310, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with one ormore locations of the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with one or more locations of one or moreagents 142. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals 126may include information associated with a specific pharmaceuticalcompany, pharmaceutical distributor, hospital, pharmacy, health carefacility, and the like, that have a supply of one or more agents 142.Accordingly, in some embodiments, such signals 126 may be transmitted byone or more transmitting units 116 that are associated with one or moreprocessing units 112 that are able to access one or more databases thatprovide location information for agents 142.

At operation 1312, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with thelocation of the individual. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits 136 may receive one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with one or more locations of the individual 102. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with the geographicallocation of an individual 102. For example, one or more signals 126 mayinclude information that indicates where an individual 102 is located(e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc.). In someembodiments, the one or more signals 126 may include global positioningsystem (GPS) coordinates.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments where theprocessing operation 1220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1402, operation 1404,operation 1406, operation 1408, and/or operation 1410.

At operation 1402, the processing operation 1220 may include determiningavailability of the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may determine the availability of one or moreagents 142. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayaccess one or more databases to determine the availability of one ormore agents 142. For example, in some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may access one or more databases associated with apharmaceutical company, a pharmacy, a pharmaceutical distributor, ahealth care facility, a health care provider, and the like, to determineif one or more agents 142 are available.

At operation 1404, the processing operation 1220 may include determiningone or more alternatives to the one or more agents. In some embodiments,one or more processing units 112 may determine one or more alternativesto one or more agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more processingunits 112 may determine that an identified agent 142 is not availableand therefore select an alternative agent 142 that is available.Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayhave access to databases of available agents 142 such as those atpharmacies, hospitals, health care facilities, pharmaceuticaldistributors, pharmaceutical companies, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may select an alternativeagent 142 based on the insurance or health plan associated with anindividual 102. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112may select an alternative agent 142 that does not contraindicate anothersubstance or medication that an individual 102 is using.

At operation 1406, the processing operation 1220 may include determiningif the one or more agents are covered by insurance carried by theindividual. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 maydetermine if the one or more agents 142 are covered by insurance carriedby the individual 102. For example, one or more processing units 112 mayaccess a database that contains information related to health care plansor insurance policies so that the one or more processing units 112 maybe used to determine if the cost of one or more agents 142 will becovered by the plan and/or policy. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may determine that the cost of an agent 142 is notcovered by a plan or policy and may therefore determine a suitablealternative agent 142 that is covered by the plan or policy associatedwith an individual 102.

At operation 1408, the processing operation 1220 may include billing oneor more providers for the one or more agents. In some embodiments, oneor more processing units 112 may bill one or more providers for the oneor more agents 142. Numerous providers may be billed for one or moreagents 142. Examples of such providers include, but are not limited to,insurance companies, flex spending accounts, Medicare, Blue Cross, BlueShield, health maintenance organizations, and the like.

At operation 1410, the processing operation 1220 may include selectingthe one or more agents for delivery to the individual. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may select one or moreagents 142 for delivery to an individual 102. In some embodiments, oneor more processing units 112 may select the one or more agents 142indicated in one or more received signals 126 for delivery to anindividual 102. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112may select an alternative to the one or more agents 142 indicated in oneor more received signals 126 for delivery to an individual 102.

FIG. 15 illustrates operational flow 1500 that includes operations 1510and 1520, that correspond to operations 1210 and 1220 as illustrated inFIG. 12, with an optionally included packaging operation 1530 andrepresents examples of operations that are related to the performance ofa method for identifying one or more pathogens 106 and determining oneor more agents 142 that may be used to reduce the pathogenicity of atleast one of the one or more pathogens 106. In FIG. 15 and in followingfigures that include various examples of operations used duringperformance of the method, discussion and explanation may be providedwith respect to any one or combination of the above-described examplesof FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts.However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed ina number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIGS. 1-1C. Also, although the various operations are presented in thesequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1500 optionally includes apackaging operation 1530 involving packaging the one or more agents. Insome embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may be used to packageone or more agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more packaging units138 may be used to package one or more agents 142 in packaging material.In some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package one ormore agents 142 for administration to an individual 102. For example, insome embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package individualdosages of one or more agents 142 for a specific individual 102.Accordingly, in such embodiments, a packaging unit 138 may be used forindividualized agent 142 packaging.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1500 of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments where thepackaging operation 1530 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1602, operation 1604,and/or operation 1606.

At operation 1602, the packaging operation 1530 may include formulatingthe one or more agents into unit dosage form. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may formulate one or more agents 142 intounit dosage form. In some embodiments, a unit dosage form may includeone or more amounts of one or more agents 142, such as pharmaceuticalagents 142, that are suitable as unitary dosages for an individual 102with each unit containing a predetermined quantity of at least one agent142 calculated to produce a desired effect, such as a therapeuticeffect, in association with one or more suitable pharmaceuticalcarriers. Such unit dosage forms may be packaged in numerousconfigurations that include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules,ampoules, and other administration forms known in the art and describedherein. In some embodiments, two or more unit dosage forms of one ormore agents 142 may be packaged into an administration form. Forexample, in some embodiments, two unit dosage forms may be wrapped intoan administration form through use of a continuous wrapper such thatthey are released at different times following administration to anindividual 102. In such an example, two unit dosage forms are includedwithin one administration form.

At operation 1604, the packaging operation 1530 may include packagingtwo or more of the agents into a single administration form. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package two or moreagents 142 into a single administration form. For example, in someembodiments, two agents 142 may be wrapped into a single administrationform through use of a continuous wrapper such that they are released atdifferent times following administration to an individual 102. In someexamples, two unit dosage forms may be included within oneadministration form.

At operation 1606, the packaging operation 1530 may include formulatingthe one or more agents into an administration form in response to inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained. In some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 mayformulate one or more agents 142 into an administration form in responseto input 120 associated with an individual 102 from whom one or moresamples 104 were obtained. For example, in some embodiments, anindividual 102 may work at night where an agent 142 may interfere withthe individual's function. Accordingly, one or more agents 142 may beformulated to be released during the day when the individual 102 is notworking. In some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be formulatedfor oral administration according to a preference of an individual 102.Accordingly, one or more agents 142 may be formulated in numerous waysin response to input 120 associated with an individual 102.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1500 of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments where thepackaging operation 1530 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1702, operation 1704,and/or operation 1706.

At operation 1702, the packaging operation 1530 may include packagingthe one or more agents with one or more pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers. In some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 maypackage one or more agents 142 with one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers. In some embodiments, one or more agents 142 (e.g.,pharmaceuticals) may be packaged with one or more solid or gel phasecarriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipients include,but are not limited to, croscarmellose sodium, providone,microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate,various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, pregelatinizedstarch, polymers such as polyethylene glycols, lactose, lactosemonohydrate, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesiumstearate, stearic acid and substantially any combination thereof. If asolid carrier is used, the one or more agents 142 may be tableted,placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form, packaged inthe form of a troche or lozenge, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be packaged with aliquid carrier or excipient. Examples of such liquid carriers includesyrup, peanut oil, olive oil, water, physiologically compatible buffers(i.e., Hanks solution and Ringers solution), physiological salinebuffer, and the like. If a liquid carrier is used, the administrationform may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, drop, soft gelatincapsule, sterile injectable solution, suspension in an ampoule or vial,non-aqueous liquid suspension, and the like.

One or more agents 142 may be packaged in stable water-solubleadministration forms. For example, in some embodiments, apharmaceutically acceptable salt of one or more agents 142 may bedissolved in an aqueous solution of an organic or inorganic acid, suchas 0.3M solution of succinic acid or citric acid. If a soluble salt formis not available, an agent 142 may be dissolved in a suitable cosolventor combination of cosolvents. Examples of suitable cosolvents include,but are not limited to, alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol300, polysorbate 80, glycerin and the like in concentrations rangingfrom 0-60% of the total volume. In some embodiments, one or more agents142 may be dissolved in DMSO and diluted with water. The administrationform may also be in the form of a solution of a salt form of one or moreagents 142 in an appropriate aqueous vehicle such as water or isotonicsaline or dextrose solution.

In some embodiments, agents 142 that are hydrophobic may be packagedthrough use of a cosolvent system comprising benzyl alcohol, a nonpolarsurfactant, a water-miscible organic polymer, and an aqueous phase. Thecosolvent system may be the VPD co-solvent system. VPD is a solution of3 percent weight/volume benzyl alcohol, 8 percent weight/volume of thenonpolar surfactant polysorbate 80, and 65 percent weight/volumepolyethylene glycol 300, made up to volume in absolute ethanol. The VPDco-solvent system (VPD:5W) consists of VPD diluted 1:1 with a 5 percentdextrose in water solution. This co-solvent system dissolves hydrophobicagents 142, and itself produces low toxicity upon systemicadministration. The proportions of a co-solvent system may be variedconsiderably without destroying its solubility and toxicitycharacteristics. Furthermore, the identity of the co-solvent componentsmay be varied: for example, other low-toxicity nonpolar surfactants maybe used instead of polysorbate 80; the fraction size of polyethyleneglycol may be varied; other biocompatible polymers may replacepolyethylene glycol (i.e., polyvinyl pyrrolidone; and other sugars orpolysaccharides may substitute for dextrose). Many other deliverysystems may be used to administer hydrophobic agents 142 as well. Forexample, liposomes and emulsions are well known examples of deliveryvehicles or carriers for hydrophobic drugs. Certain organic solventssuch as dimethysulfoxide also may be employed, although usually at thecost of greater toxicity.

Some agents 142 may be packaged as salts with pharmaceuticallycompatible counter ions. Pharmaceutically compatible salts may be formedwith many acids, including hydrochloric, sulfuric, acetic, lactic,tartaric, malic, succinic, etc. Salts of agents 142 tend to be moresoluble in aqueous or other protonic solvents than are the correspondingfree-base forms.

Numerous carriers and excipients are known and are commerciallyavailable (i.e., The Merck Index, 13th Edition, An Encyclopedia ofChemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station,N.J. 2001; Mosby's Drug Guide, Mosby, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. 2004;Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20th Edition,Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pa. 2000; Physicians' DeskReference, 58th Edition, Thompson, P D R, Montvale, N.J. 2004; U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,773,721; 7,053,107; 7,049,312 and Published U.S. PatentApplication No. 20040224916; herein incorporated by reference).

In addition, in some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be packagedwith pharmaceutically acceptable poloxamers, humectants, binders,disintegrants, fillers, diluents, lubricants, glidants, flow enhancers,compression aids, coloring agents, sweeteners, preservatives, suspendingagents, dispersing agents, film formers, coatings, flavoring agents,printing inks, or substantially any combination thereof.

At operation 1704, the packaging operation 1530 may include packagingthe one or more agents with packaging material. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142 withpackaging material. One or more agents 142 (e.g., pharmaceuticals) maybe packaged in numerous types of packaging material. Examples ofpackaging material include, but are not limited to, containers, boxes,ampoules, vials, syringes, and the like. In some embodiments, packagingmaterial may include advertising. In some embodiments, packagingmaterial may include instructions for administration. Such instructionsmay include time for administration, route of administration, the nameof the individual 102 to whom the one or more agents 142 are to beadministered, the identity of the one or more agents 142, the dosage ofthe one or more agents 142, appropriate buffers for suspension of theone or more agents 142, the source of the one or more agents 142, thename of a physician or physicians who prescribed the one or more agents142, the date when the one or more agents 142 were prescribed, the datewhen the one or more agents 142 were packaged, the date when the one ormore agents 142 were manufactured, the expiration date of the one ormore agents 142, and the like.

At operation 1706, the packaging operation 1530 may include packagingthe one or more agents with packaging material and addressing thepackaging material for delivery to one or more addresses. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package one or moreagents 142 with packaging material and address the packaging materialfor delivery to one or more addresses. For example, in some embodiments,one or more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142 inone or more dispensing containers (e.g., a box, ampoule, vial, syringe,etc.), and then package the one or more dispensing containers inpackaging material (e.g., boxes, crates, envelopes, pouches, etc.) thatis addressed for delivery to one or more addresses. In some embodiments,one or more packaging units 138 may package one or more prepackagedagents 142 in one or more shipping containers (e.g., boxes, crates,envelopes, pouches, etc.) and addressing the one or more shippingcontainers for delivery to one or more addresses. Numerous addressescould be used. Examples of such addresses include, but are not limitedto, addresses to hospitals, military field stations, pharmacies,individuals, health care facilities, and the like.

FIG. 18 illustrates operational flow 1800 that includes operations 1810,1820, and 1830, that correspond to operations 1510, 1520, and 1530 asillustrated in FIG. 15, with an optionally included shipping operation1840 and represents examples of operations that are related to theperformance of a method for identifying one or more pathogens 106 anddetermining one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. In FIG.18 and in following figures that include various examples of operationsused during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to any one or combination of the above-describedexamples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to other examples andcontexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may beexecuted in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modifiedversions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1800 optionally includes ashipping operation 1840 involving shipping one or more packages thatinclude the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or moreshipping units 140 may be used to ship one or more packages that includeone or more agents 142. In some embodiments, a shipping unit 140 mayinclude logic that selects one or more routes that may be used todeliver one or more packages that include one or more agents 142. Forexample, in some embodiments, a shipping unit 140 may select a shippingroute through the Southern United States in the winter time to avoidshipping delays due to snowfall. Accordingly, one or more shipping units140 may select from numerous routes to ship one or more packages. Insome embodiments, a shipping unit 140 may select a service to ship apackage. Examples of such shipping services include, but are not limitedto, United States Postal Service, United Postal Service, FederalExpress, and the like.

FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1800 of FIG. 18. FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments where theshipping operation 1840 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1902, operation 1904,operation 1906, and/or operation 1908.

At operation 1902, the shipping operation 1840 may include shipping theone or more packages through use of one or more common carriers. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may be used to ship one ormore packages through use of one or more common carriers. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may include logic thatselects one or more common carriers for shipping one or more packages.Examples of common carriers include, but are not limited to, airlineshipping services, ground shipping services, nautical shipping services,and the like.

At operation 1904, the shipping operation 1840 may include shipping theone or more packages to the individual from whom the one or more sampleswere obtained. In some embodiments, one or more shipping units 140 maybe used to ship one or more packages to an individual 102 from whom oneor more samples 104 were obtained.

At operation 1906, the shipping operation 1840 may include shipping theone or more packages to one or more treatment facilities. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may be used to ship one ormore packages to one or more treatment facilities. Examples of treatmentfacilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, clinics, militaryfield hospitals, ship infirmaries, and the like.

At operation 1908, the shipping operation 1840 may include shipping theone or more packages to one or more pharmacies. In some embodiments, oneor more shipping units 140 may be used to ship one or more packages toone or more pharmacies.

FIG. 20 illustrates an operational flow 2000 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a method foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 and determining one or more agents142 that may be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of theone or more pathogens 106. In FIG. 20 and in following figures thatinclude various examples of operations used during performance of themethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to anyone or combination of the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/orwith respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should beunderstood that the operations may be executed in a number of otherenvironments and contexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also,although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s)illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2000 includes anidentifying operation 2010 involving identifying one or more pathogenspresent within one or more samples obtained from an individual throughuse of one or more microfluidic chips. In some embodiments, one or moreanalysis units 110 may be used to identify one or more pathogens 106present within one or more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102through use of one or more microfluidic chips 108.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2000 includes an acceptingoperation 2020 involving accepting input associated with the individualfrom whom the one or more samples were obtained. In some embodiments,one or more accepting units 118 may be used to accept input 120associated with an individual 102 from whom one or more samples 104 wereobtained.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2000 includes atransmitting operation 2030 involving transmitting one or more signalsthat include information associated with the identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips and the accepting inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may beused to transmit one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with identifying one or more pathogens 106 present within oneor more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of oneor more microfluidic chips 108 and accepting input 120 associated withthe individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104 were obtained.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2000 of FIG. 20. FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments where theidentifying operation 2010 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 2102,operation 2104, and/or operation 2106.

At operation 2102, the identifying operation 2010 may include acceptingthe one or more samples with the one or more microfluidic chips. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may accept one or moresamples 104. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 mayaccept one or more samples 104 that include one or more liquids. In someembodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 108 may accept one or moresamples 104 that include one or more solids. In some embodiments, one ormore microfluidic chips 108 may accept one or more samples 104 thatinclude one or more gases. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidicchips 108 may accept one or more samples 104 that include one or morebiological samples 104. Examples of biological samples 104 include, butare not limited to, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, mucus, breath, urine,fecal material, skin, tissue, tears, hair, and the like.

At operation 2104, the identifying operation 2010 may include processingthe one or more samples with the one or more microfluidic chips tofacilitate analysis of one or more pathogen indicators associated withthe one or more samples. In some embodiments, the identifying operation2010 may include processing one or more samples 104 with one or moremicrofluidic chips 108 through use of polynucleotide interaction,protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody interaction, chemicalinteraction, diffusion, filtration, chromatography, aptamer interaction,electrical conductivity, isoelectric focusing, electrophoresis,immunoassay, competition assay, or substantially any combinationthereof.

At operation 2106, the identifying operation 2010 may include analyzingone or more pathogen indicators with one or more analysis units that areconfigured to operably associate with the one or more microfluidicchips. In some embodiments, identifying operation 2010 may includeanalyzing the one or more pathogen indicators with one or more analysisunits 110 through use of at least one technique that includesspectroscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detection,fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer,electron transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectricfocusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, aptamerbinding, electrophoresis, use of a CCD camera, immunoassay, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 22 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2000 of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 illustrates example embodiments where theaccepting operation 2020 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2202, and/or operation2204.

At operation 2202, the accepting operation 2020 may include acceptinginput associated with one or more parameters related to the individual.In some embodiments, one or more accepting units 118 may accept input120 associated with one or more parameters related to an individual 102.In some embodiments, the one or more parameters may be physicalparameters. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters may bepsychological parameters. In some embodiments, the one or moreparameters may be financial parameters. In some embodiments, the one ormore parameters may be health care provided related parameters (e.g.,physician's name, insurance provider, HMO name, prescription plan,etc.).

At operation 2204, the accepting operation 2020 may include acceptinginput associated with one or more parameters related to age, weight,height, body composition, substance use, liver health, allergies,prescription drug use, non-prescription drug use, insurance coverage,pregnancy status, blood pressure, child bearing plans, one or moreactivities, environmental exposure, diagnosed disease, disease status,treatment history, family history, genetic markers, diseasepredisposition, or location. In some embodiments, one or more acceptingunits 118 may accept input 120 associated with one or more parametersrelated to age, weight, height, body composition (e.g., body mass index,fat percentage), substance use (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs),liver health, allergies, prescription drug use, non-prescription druguse, insurance coverage (e.g., prescription plan, insurance limits,limitations on providers, HMO limitations), pregnancy status (e.g.,pregnant, not pregnant, unknown), blood pressure, child bearing plans(e.g., yes, no, time when planning to become pregnant), one or moreactivities (e.g., travel, athletic activities, occupational activities,driving), location (e.g., travel to foreign nation, local address, town,city), or substantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 23 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2000 of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 2030 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 2302,operation 2304, operation 2306, and/or operation 2308.

At operation 2302, the transmitting operation 2030 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith an identity of the one or more pathogens. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with an identity of one or more pathogens106. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 maytransmit one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith a particular strain of one or more pathogens 106. For example, insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one ormore signals 126 that include information associated with one or morepathogens 106 that are resistant to one or more antibiotics.

At operation 2304, the transmitting operation 2030 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith virulence of at least one of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with virulence of atleast one of the one or more pathogens 106. For example, some pathogenicstrains of E. coli exhibit increased virulence relative to other strainsof E. coli. Such virulent strains may be identified by the presence ofvirulence determinants. Examples of such virulence determinants include,but are not limited to, adhesions (e.g., CFAI/CFAII, type 1 fimbriae, Pfimbriae, S fimbriae, Intimin), invasions (e.g., hemolysisn,siderophores and siderophore uptake systems, Shigella-like “invasins”for intracellular invasion and spread), toxins (e.g., LT toxin, STtoxin, Shiga-like toxin, cytotoxins, endotoxin LPS), antiphagocyticsurface properties (e.g., capsules, K antigens, lipopolysaccharides),somatic antigens, flagellar antigens, and the like. Accordingly, one ormore signals may include information related to numerous types ofvirulence indicators.

At operation 2306, the transmitting operation 2030 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith age, weight, height, body composition, substance use, liver health,allergies, prescription drug use, non-prescription drug use, insurancecoverage, pregnancy status, blood pressure, child bearing plans, one ormore activities, environmental exposure, diagnosed disease, diseasestatus, treatment history, family history, genetic markers, diseasepredisposition, or location. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with the age, weight, height, body composition,substance use, liver health, allergies, prescription drug use,non-prescription drug use, insurance coverage, pregnancy status, bloodpressure, child bearing plans, one or more activities, location, orsubstantially any combination thereof, that is associated with anindividual 102.

At operation 2308, the transmitting operation 2030 may includetransmitting the one or more signals through use of a secure connection.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit oneor more signals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, insome embodiments, one or more signals may be encrypted. In someembodiments, one or more signals may be sent through use of a securemode of transmission. For example, in some embodiments, one or moresignals may be transmitted to a specified individual. In someembodiments, one or more signals may be transmitted to a specifiedgroup. In some embodiments, one or more signals may include code that isspecific for an individual. In some embodiments, such code may includeanonymous code that is specific for an individual. Accordingly,information included within one or more signals may be protected againstbeing accessed by others who are not the intended recipient. In someembodiments, one or more signals may include information that includesstatements regarding non-disclosure of information included within theone or more signals (e.g., statements against copying information,statements against unauthorized dissemination of information, statementsabout unauthorized opening of an information packet by an unintendedrecipient, and the like). In some embodiments, one or more signals maybe sent in a manner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forthby law. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals may betransmitted in accordance with the Health Information Privacy andProtection Act. In some embodiments, one or more signals may be sentwith information that includes a request for a return receipt.

FIG. 24 illustrates operational flow 2400 that includes operations 2410,2420, and 2430, that correspond to operations 2010, 2020, and 2030 asillustrated in FIG. 20, with an optionally included receiving operation2440 and represents examples of operations that are related to theperformance of a method for identifying one or more pathogens 106 anddetermining one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. In FIG.24 and in following figures that include various examples of operationsused during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to any one or combination of the above-describedexamples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to other examples andcontexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may beexecuted in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modifiedversions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2400 optionally includes areceiving operation 2440 involving receiving one or more signals thatinclude information associated with one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 136 mayreceive one or more signals 126 that include information associated withone or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity ofat least one of one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 thatinclude the identity of one or more chemical agents 142 that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one pathogen 106. Numerouschemical agents 142 may be identified. Examples of such chemical agents142 include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, ozone, peroxides,chlorinated compounds, acids, bases, alcohols, and the like (e.g., MerckIndex, Thirteenth Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.(2001) and Mosby's Drug Guide, An Imprint of Elsevier, St. Louis, Mo.(2004)). In some embodiments, such chemical agents 142 may be identifiedthat are specific for one or more identified pathogens 106.

FIG. 25 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 25 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 2440 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2502, operation 2504,operation 2506, operation 2508, and/or operation 2510.

At operation 2502, the receiving operation 2440 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with anidentity of at least one of the one or more agents. In some embodiments,one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with an identity of at least one of theone or more agents 142. For example, in some embodiments, one or morereceiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with the brand name, the generic name, thechemical name, the structure, identifiers associated with an agent 142,or substantially any combination thereof.

At operation 2504, the receiving operation 2440 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with methodsof administration for at least one of the one or more agents. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with methods ofadministration for at least one of one or more agents 142. Examples ofmethods of administration include, but are not limited to, oraladministration, intravenous administration, transdermal administration,intraperitoneal administration, intraocular administration, nasaladministration, pulmonary administration, rectal administration, vaginaladministration, and the like.

At operation 2506, the receiving operation 2440 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated withcontraindicators of the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with contraindicators of the one or moreagents 142. In some embodiments, contraindicators may includeprescription pharmaceutical agents 142 (e.g., opiates, psychotropicdrugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, lithium, alpha-blockers,beta-blockers, antibiotics, cholesterol lowering drugs, heartmedications). In some embodiments, contraindicators may includenon-prescription pharmaceutical agents 142 (e.g., antacids,acetaminophen, aspirin, cold medications, anti-histamines). In someembodiments, contraindicators may include substances such as nicotine,alcohol, nutraceuticals, and the like. For example, in some embodiments,Saint John's Wort may be indicated as a contraindicator of selectiveserotonin reuptake inhibitors.

At operation 2508, the receiving operation 2440 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated withside-effects of the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with side-effects of the one or more agents 142.For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals 126 may includeinformation associated with lower potassium levels associated withdiuretic usage. Signals 126 may include information associated withnumerous side-effects that include mental side-effects (e.g.,excitability, depression, irritability), physical side-effects (e.g.,drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, reduced coordination, increased bloodpressure), and the like.

At operation 2510, the receiving operation 2440 may include receivingthe one or more signals through use of a secure connection. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, in someembodiments, one or more signals may be received that are encrypted. Insome embodiments, one or more signals may be received through use of asecure mode. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals mayonly be received by a specified individual. In some embodiments, one ormore signals may be received by a specified group. In some embodiments,one or more signals may include code that is specific for an individual.In some embodiments, such code may include anonymous code that isspecific for an individual. Accordingly, information included within oneor more signals may be protected against being accessed by others whoare not the intended recipient. In some embodiments, one or more signalsmay include information that includes statements regardingnon-disclosure of information included within the one or more signals(e.g., statements against copying information, statements againstunauthorized dissemination of information, statements about unauthorizedopening of an information packet by an unintended recipient, and thelike). In some embodiments, one or more signals may be received in amanner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forth by law. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more signals may be received inaccordance with the Health Information Privacy and Protection Act. Insome embodiments, receipt of one or more signals will cause a returnreceipt to be sent that confirms receipt of the one or more signals.

FIG. 26 illustrates operational flow 2600 that includes operations 2610,2620, 2630, and 2640, that correspond to operations 2410, 2420, 2430,and 2440 as illustrated in FIG. 24, with an optionally includeddisplaying operation 2650 and represents examples of operations that arerelated to the performance of a method for identifying one or morepathogens 106 and determining one or more agents 142 that may be used toreduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens106. In FIG. 26 and in following figures that include various examplesof operations used during performance of the method, discussion andexplanation may be provided with respect to any one or combination ofthe above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to otherexamples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2600 optionally includes adisplaying operation 2650 involving displaying the informationassociated with the one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of the at least one of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may display informationassociated with one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of one or more pathogens 106. Numeroustypes of information may be displayed. Examples of such informationinclude, but are not limited to, the identity of an agent 142, dosage ofan agent 142, method of administration for an agent 142, and the like.

FIG. 27 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2600 of FIG. 26. FIG. 27 illustrates example embodiments where thedisplaying operation 2650 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2702, operation 2704,and/or operation 2706.

At operation 2702, the displaying operation 2650 may include displayingthe information on one or more passive displays. In some embodiments,one or more display units 114 may display information on one or morepassive displays. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 mayinclude one or more liquid crystal displays (LCD). Methods to constructpassive displays have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,807,967;4,729,636; 4,436,378; 4,257,041; herein incorporated by reference).

At operation 2704, the displaying operation 2650 may include displayingthe information on one or more active displays. In some embodiments, oneor more display units 114 may display information on one or more activedisplays. Numerous active display units 114 are known and include, butare not limited to, quarter-video graphics array (QVGA), video graphicsarray (VGA), super video graphics array (SVGA), extended graphics array(XGA), wide extended graphics array (WXGA), super extended graphicsarray (SXGA), ultra extended graphics array (UXGA), wide super extendedgraphics array (WSXGA), and wide ultra extended graphics array (WUXGA).

At operation 2706, the displaying operation 2650 may include displayingthe information in graphical form. In some embodiments, one or moredisplay units 114 may display information in graphical form. Numeroustypes of graphical formats may be used. Examples of such graphicalformats include, but are not limited to, use of shapes, use of colors,use of symbols (e.g., smiley face, frowny face, thumbs up sign, thumbsdown sign, histograms, bar graphs, pie charts, and the like).

FIG. 28 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2600 of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 illustrates example embodiments where thedisplaying operation 2650 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2802, operation 2804,and/or operation 2806.

At operation 2802, the displaying operation 2650 may include displayingthe information in audio form. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may display information in audio form. In some embodiments,one or more display units 114 may display information in voice format.For example, in some embodiments, a human voice may indicate theidentity of one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of one or more pathogens 106. Numerous types ofinformation may be presented in audio format.

At operation 2804, the displaying operation 2650 may include displayingthe information in typographical form. In some embodiments, one or moredisplay units 114 may display information in typographical form.Information may be presented in numerous languages (e.g., Italian,Spanish, English, Japanese). In some embodiments, the typographical formmay include numbers.

At operation 2806, the displaying operation 2650 may include displayingthe information in Braille. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may display information in Braille. Accordingly, in someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may include a pad on whichmessages in Braille may be displayed. In some embodiments, such pads maybe constructed of an elastomeric material that is positioned relative toa series of movable rods such that the rods may be positioned to createmessages in Braille. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114may print information in Braille.

FIG. 29 illustrates an operational flow 2900 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a method foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 and determining one or more agents142 that may be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of theone or more pathogens 106. In FIG. 29 and in following figures thatinclude various examples of operations used during performance of themethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to anyone or combination of the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/orwith respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should beunderstood that the operations may be executed in a number of otherenvironments and contexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also,although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s)illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2900 includes a receivingoperation 2910 involving receiving one or more signals that includeinformation associated with identifying one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may be used to receive oneor more signals 126 that include information associated with identifyingone or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104obtained from an individual 102.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2900 includes a receivingoperation 2920 involving receiving one or more signals that includeinformation associated with accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may be used to receive oneor more signals 126 that include information associated with acceptinginput 120 associated with an individual 102 from whom one or moresamples 104 were obtained.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2900 includes adetermining operation 2930 involving determining one or more agents thatcan be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one ormore pathogens. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112may be used to determine one or more agents 142 that can be used toreduce the pathogenicity of at least one of one or more pathogens 106.

FIG. 30 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2900 of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 2910 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 3002, operation 3004,operation 3006, operation 3008, and/or operation 3010.

At operation 3002, the receiving operation 2910 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with anidentity of the at least one of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with an identity of atleast one of one or more pathogens 106. Such information may includeinformation associated with a particular strain of one or more pathogens106.

At operation 3004, the receiving operation 2910 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with aconcentration of the at least one of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with a concentration ofat least one of one or more pathogens 106. In some embodiments, suchinformation may indicate the severity of a pathogen infection. In someembodiments, such information may be used to track treatment of aninfection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals 126 maybe received at times following the initiation of a treatment schedule.Accordingly, the effectiveness of a treatment scheme may be monitored.

At operation 3006, the receiving operation 2910 may include receivingone or more signals that include information associated with drugresistance of at least one of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with drug resistance ofat least one of one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with one or morepathogens 106 that are resistant to one or more antibiotics.

At operation 3008, the receiving operation 2910 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated withvirulence of at least one of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with virulence of atleast one of the one or more pathogens 106. For example, some pathogenicstrains of E. coli exhibit increased virulence relative to other strainsof E. coli. Such virulent strains may be identified by the presence ofvirulence determinants. Examples of such virulence determinants include,but are not limited to, adhesions (e.g., CFAI/CFAII, type 1 fimbriae, Pfimbriae, S fimbriae, Intimin), invasions (e.g., hemolysisn,siderophores and siderophore uptake systems, Shigella-like “invasins”for intracellular invasion and spread), toxins (e.g., LT toxin, STtoxin, Shiga-like toxin, cytotoxins, endotoxin LPS), antiphagocyticsurface properties (e.g., capsules, K antigens, lipopolysaccharides),somatic antigens, flagellar antigens, and the like. Accordingly, one ormore signals may include information related to numerous types ofvirulence indicators.

At operation 3010, the receiving operation 2910 may include receivingthe one or more signals through use of a secure connection. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, in someembodiments, one or more signals may be received that are encrypted. Insome embodiments, one or more signals may be received through use of asecure mode. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals mayonly be received by a specified individual. In some embodiments, one ormore signals may be received by a specified group. In some embodiments,one or more signals may include code that is specific for an individual.In some embodiments, such code may include anonymous code that isspecific for an individual. Accordingly, information included within oneor more signals may be protected against being accessed by others whoare not the intended recipient. In some embodiments, one or more signalsmay include information that includes statements regardingnon-disclosure of information included within the one or more signals(e.g., statements against copying information, statements againstunauthorized dissemination of information, statements about unauthorizedopening of an information packet by an unintended recipient, and thelike). In some embodiments, one or more signals may be received in amanner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forth by law. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more signals may be received inaccordance with the Health Information Privacy and Protection Act. Insome embodiments, receipt of one or more signals will cause a returnreceipt to be sent that confirms receipt of the one or more signals.

FIG. 31 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2900 of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 2920 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 3102, operation 3104,and/or operation 3106.

At operation 3102, the receiving operation 2920 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with one ormore parameters related to the individual. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units 136 may receive one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with one or more parameters related to anindividual 102. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters may bephysical parameters. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters maybe psychological parameters. In some embodiments, the one or moreparameters may be financial parameters. In some embodiments, the one ormore parameters may be health care provided related parameters (e.g.,physician's name, insurance provider, HMO name, prescription plan,etc.).

At operation 3104, the receiving operation 2920 may include receivingthe one or more signals that include information associated with one ormore parameters related to age, weight, height, body composition,substance use, liver health, allergies, prescription drug use,non-prescription drug use, insurance coverage, pregnancy status, bloodpressure, child bearing plans, one or more activities, environmentalexposure, diagnosed disease, disease status, treatment history, familyhistory, genetic markers, disease predisposition, or location. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with one or moreparameters related to age, weight, height, body composition, substanceuse, liver health, allergies, prescription drug use, non-prescriptiondrug use, insurance coverage, pregnancy status, blood pressure, childbearing plans, one or more activities, location, or substantially anycombination thereof.

At operation 3106, the receiving operation 2920 may include receivingthe one or more signals through use of a secure connection. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 136 may receive one or moresignals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, in someembodiments, one or more signals may be received that are encrypted. Insome embodiments, one or more signals may be received through use of asecure mode. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals mayonly be received by a specified individual. In some embodiments, one ormore signals may be received by a specified group. In some embodiments,one or more signals may include code that is specific for an individual.In some embodiments, such code may include anonymous code that isspecific for an individual. Accordingly, information included within oneor more signals may be protected against being accessed by others whoare not the intended recipient. In some embodiments, one or more signalsmay include information that includes statements regardingnon-disclosure of information included within the one or more signals(e.g., statements against copying information, statements againstunauthorized dissemination of information, statements about unauthorizedopening of an information packet by an unintended recipient, and thelike). In some embodiments, one or more signals may be received in amanner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forth by law. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more signals may be received inaccordance with the Health Information Privacy and Protection Act. Insome embodiments, receipt of one or more signals will cause a returnreceipt to be sent that confirms receipt of the one or more signals.

FIG. 32 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2900 of FIG. 29. FIG. 32 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 2930 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 3202, operation 3204,operation 3206, operation 3208, and/or operation 3210.

At operation 3202, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more chemical agents that can be used to reducethe pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens that areidentified. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayidentify one or more chemical agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of one or more pathogens 106 that areidentified. Numerous chemical agents 142 may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of one or more pathogens 106. Examples of such chemicalagents 142 include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, ozone,peroxides, chlorinated compounds, acids, bases, alcohols, and the like(e.g., Merck Index, Thirteenth Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., WhitehouseStation, N.J. (2001) and Mosby's Drug Guide, An Imprint of Elsevier, St.Louis, Mo. (2004)). In some embodiments, such chemical agents 142 may bespecific for one or more identified pathogens 106.

At operation 3204, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more mechanical agents that can be used to reducethe pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens that areidentified. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayidentify one or more mechanical agents 142 that can be used to reducethe pathogenicity of at least one of one or more pathogens 106 that areidentified. Examples of such mechanical agents 142 include, but are notlimited to, ultraviolet light, irradiation, and the like. In someembodiments, such mechanical agents 142 may be specific for one or moreidentified pathogens 106.

At operation 3206, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more bioagents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens that areidentified. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayidentify one or more bioagents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens that areidentified. For example, in some embodiments, one or more processingunits 112 may identify one or more bacteriophages that may be used toreduce the disease causing ability of a bacteria. In some embodiments,one or more processing units 112 may identify one or more invasiverecombinant bacteria that may be used to deliver a gene product that maybe used to reduce the disease causing ability of one or more pathogens.For example, in some embodiments, such recombinant bacteria may beengineered to produce an antibiotic. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more inactivated pathogens(e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi) that may be used to induce an immuneresponse against one or more pathogens.

At operation 3208, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more agents that are not contraindicated by oneor more substances used by the individual. In some embodiments, one ormore processing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that arenot contraindicated by one or more substances used by an individual 102.For example, in some embodiments, an individual 102 may use one or moreprescription medications. In such embodiments, one or more processingunits 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that do not contraindicatethe one or more prescription medications. In some embodiments, anindividual 102 may use one or more substances such as tobacco or alcoholthat may contraindicate an agent 142. Accordingly, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that are notaffected by one or more substances used by an individual 102 and/or thatdo not affect one or more substances used by an individual 102.Accordingly, one or more processing units 112 may identify one or moreagents 142 with regard to numerous types of substances used by anindividual 102.

At operation 3210, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more additional agents that act synergisticallywith the one or more agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicityof at least one of the one or more pathogens. In some embodiments, oneor more processing units 112 may identify one or more additional agents142 that act synergistically with the one or more agents 142 that can beused to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens. In some embodiments, one or more processing units 112 mayidentify one or more additional agents 142 that increase theeffectiveness of one or more antibiotics. For example, in someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may identify one or moreantibacterial adjuvants (e.g., beta-lactamase inhibitors) that may actsynergistically with one or more antibiotics. In some embodiments, oneor more processing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 that upregulate an immune response against a pathogen that may actsynergistically with one or more other agents 142. In some embodiments,one or more processing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142that down regulate an immune response against a pathogen that may actsynergistically with one or more other agents 142.

FIG. 33 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 2900 of FIG. 29. FIG. 33 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 2930 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 3302, operation 3304,and/or operation 3306.

At operation 3302, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more agents in response to one or more parametersassociated with the individual. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 in response toone or more parameters associated with the individual 102. Accordingly,in some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be identified forapplication to a specific individual 102. Such embodiments provide forpersonalized selection and dosing of agents 142 that may be used totreat pathogen infection. Numerous parameters associated with anindividual 102 may be considered. Examples of such parameters include,but are not limited to, size, weight, allergies, body composition,substance use, and the like.

At operation 3304, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more agent in response to at least one parameterassociated with the individual that includes age, weight, height, bodycomposition, substance use, liver health, allergies, prescription druguse, non-prescription drug use, insurance coverage, pregnancy status,blood pressure, environmental exposure, diagnosed disease, diseasestatus, treatment history, family history, genetic markers, diseasepredisposition, or child bearing plans. In some embodiments, one or moreprocessing units 112 may identify one or more agents 142 in response toat least one parameter associated with the individual 102 that includesage, weight, height, body composition, substance use, liver health,allergies, prescription drug use, non-prescription drug use, insurancecoverage, pregnancy status, blood pressure, child bearing plans, orsubstantially any combination thereof.

At operation 3306, the determining operation 2930 may includeidentifying the one or more agents that reduce the pathogenicity of atleast one virus, bacterium, worm, egg, cyst, protozoan, single-celledorganism, fungus, algae, pathogenic protein, or microbe. In someembodiments, one or more processing units 112 may identify one or moreagents 142 that reduce the pathogenicity of at least one virus,bacterium, worm, egg, cyst, protozoan, single-celled organism, fungus,algae, pathogenic protein, or microbe. Numerous agents 142 are knownthat will reduce the pathogenicity of one or more pathogens 106 (TheMerck Index, 13th Edition, An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, andBiologicals, Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J. 2001; Mosby'sDrug Guide, Mosby, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. 2004; Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy, 20th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,Philadelphia, Pa. 2000; Physicians' Desk Reference, 58th Edition,Thompson, P D R, Montvale, N.J. 2004).

FIG. 34 illustrates operational flow 3400 that includes operations 3410,3420, and 3430, that correspond to operations 2910, 2920, and 2930 asillustrated in FIG. 29, with an optionally included displaying operation3440 and represents examples of operations that are related to theperformance of a method for identifying one or more pathogens 106 anddetermining one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. In FIG.34 and in following figures that include various examples of operationsused during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to any one or combination of the above-describedexamples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to other examples andcontexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may beexecuted in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modifiedversions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 3400 optionally includes adisplaying operation 3440 involving displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may be used to display information associated with one or moreagents 142. Numerous types of display units 114 may be used to displayinformation. Examples of such display units 114 include, but are notlimited to, liquid crystal displays, light emitting diode displays,audio displays, Braille displays, graphical displays, and the like.Numerous types of information may be displayed. Examples of such typesof information include, but are not limited to, the identity of one ormore agents 142, the dosage of one or more agents 142, contraindicationsassociated with the one or more agents 142, administration method to beused with one or more agents 142, administration schedule associatedwith one or more agents 142, and the like.

FIG. 35 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 3400 of FIG. 34. FIG. 35 illustrates example embodiments where thedisplaying operation 3440 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 3502, operation 3504,and/or operation 3506.

At operation 3502, the displaying operation 3440 may include displayingthe information on one or more passive displays. In some embodiments,one or more display units 114 may display information on one or morepassive displays. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114 mayinclude one or more liquid crystal displays (LCD). Methods to constructpassive displays have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,807,967;4,729,636; 4,436,378; 4,257,041; herein incorporated by reference).

At operation 3504, the displaying operation 3440 may include displayingthe information on one or more active displays. In some embodiments, oneor more display units 114 may display information on one or more activedisplays. Numerous active display units 114 are known and include, butare not limited to, quarter-video graphics array (QVGA), video graphicsarray (VGA), super video graphics array (SVGA), extended graphics array(XGA), wide extended graphics array (WXGA), super extended graphicsarray (SXGA), ultra extended graphics array (UXGA), wide super extendedgraphics array (WSXGA), and wide ultra extended graphics array (WUXGA).

At operation 3506, the displaying operation 3440 may include displayingthe information in graphical form. In some embodiments, one or moredisplay units 114 may display information in graphical form. Numeroustypes of graphical formats may be used. Examples of such graphicalformats include, but are not limited to, use of shapes, use of colors,use of symbols (e.g., smiley face, frowny face, thumbs up sign, thumbsdown sign, histograms, bar graphs, pie charts, and the like).

FIG. 36 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 3400 of FIG. 34. FIG. 36 illustrates example embodiments where thedisplaying operation 3440 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 3602, operation 3604,and/or operation 3606.

At operation 3602, the displaying operation 3440 may include displayingthe information in audio form. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may display information in audio form. In some embodiments,one or more display units 114 may display information in voice format.For example, in some embodiments, a human voice may indicate theidentity of one or more agents 142 that may be used to reduce thepathogenicity of one or more pathogens 106. Numerous types ofinformation may be presented in audio format.

At operation 3604, the displaying operation 3440 may include displayingthe information in typographical form. In some embodiments, one or moredisplay units 114 may display information in typographical form.Information may be presented in numerous languages (e.g., Italian,Spanish, English, Japanese). In some embodiments, the typographical formmay include numbers.

At operation 3606, the displaying operation 3440 may include displayingthe information in Braille. In some embodiments, one or more displayunits 114 may display information in Braille. Accordingly, in someembodiments, one or more display units 114 may include a pad on whichmessages in Braille may be displayed. In some embodiments, such pads maybe constructed of an elastomeric material that is positioned relative toa series of movable rods such that the rods may be positioned to createmessages in Braille. In some embodiments, one or more display units 114may print information in Braille.

FIG. 37 illustrates operational flow 3700 that includes operations 3710,3720, 3730, and 3740, that correspond to operations 3410, 3420, 3430,and 3440 as illustrated in FIG. 34, with an optionally includedtransmitting operation 3750 and represents examples of operations thatare related to the performance of a method for identifying one or morepathogens 106 and determining one or more agents 142 that may be used toreduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens106. In FIG. 37 and in following figures that include various examplesof operations used during performance of the method, discussion andexplanation may be provided with respect to any one or combination ofthe above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect to otherexamples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 3700 optionally includes atransmitting operation 3750 involving transmitting the one or moresignals that include information associated with the one or more agents.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit oneor more signals 126 that include information associated with one or moreagents 142. The one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit signals126 through use of numerous technologies. For example, such signals 126may be transmitted through use of the internet, radio waves, opticalcables, cellular telephone connections, telephone connections, satellitetelephone connections, and the like. The one or more signals 126 may betransmitted to, and received by, numerous types of receivers. Forexample, one or more signals 126 may be received by pharmacies,hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, health care providers,nutraceutical companies, and the like.

FIG. 38 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 3700 of FIG. 37. FIG. 38 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 3750 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 3802,operation 3804, operation 3806, operation 3808, operation 3810, and/oroperation 3812.

At operation 3802, the transmitting operation 3750 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith the identity of one or more agents. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with the identity of one or more agents142. For example, in some embodiments, one or more transmitting units116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with the brand name, the generic name, the chemical name, thestructure, identifiers associated with an agent 142, or substantiallyany combination thereof.

At operation 3804, the transmitting operation 3750 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith an individual. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with an individual 102. One or more signals 126 that includenumerous types of information associated with an individual 102 may betransmitted. Examples of such information include, but are not limitedto, height, weight, age, substances used by an individual 102 (e.g.,alcohol, tobacco, prescription medication, non-prescription medication,illicit drugs, etc.), body composition, allergies, physicalcharacteristics (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, intraocular pressure,etc.), activities, and the like.

At operation 3806, the transmitting operation 3750 may includetransmitting the one or more signals through use of a secure connection.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit oneor more signals 126 through use of a secure connection. For example, insome embodiments, one or more signals may be encrypted. In someembodiments, one or more signals may be sent through use of a securemode of transmission. For example, in some embodiments, one or moresignals may be transmitted to a specified individual. In someembodiments, one or more signals may be transmitted to a specifiedgroup. In some embodiments, one or more signals may include code that isspecific for an individual. In some embodiments, such code may includeanonymous code that is specific for an individual. Accordingly,information included within one or more signals may be protected againstbeing accessed by others who are not the intended recipient. In someembodiments, one or more signals may include information that includesstatements regarding non-disclosure of information included within theone or more signals (e.g., statements against copying information,statements against unauthorized dissemination of information, statementsabout unauthorized opening of an information packet by an unintendedrecipient, and the like). In some embodiments, one or more signals maybe sent in a manner that conforms with privacy regulations as set forthby law. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals may betransmitted in accordance with the Health Information Privacy andProtection Act. In some embodiments, one or more signals may be sentwith information that includes a request for a return receipt.

At operation 3808, the transmitting operation 3750 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more pathogens. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with the one or more pathogens 106. The one ormore signals 126 may include numerous types of information associatedwith one or more pathogens 106. Examples of such information include theidentity of a pathogen 106, the concentration of a pathogen 106, drugresistance characteristics of a pathogen 106, and the like.

At operation 3810, the transmitting operation 3750 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith one or more locations of the one or more pathogens. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with one or morelocations of the one or more pathogens 106. For example, in someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with where an individual102 is physically experiencing a pathogen infection (e.g., eyeinfection, nasal infection, gastrointestinal tract infection, etc). Insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 may transmit one ormore signals 126 that include information associated with thegeographical location of the pathogen 106. For example, one or moresignals 126 may include information that indicates where the pathogen106 and/or individual 102 who is infected with the pathogen 106 islocated (e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc.).In some embodiments, the one or more signals 126 may include globalpositioning system (GPS) coordinates.

At operation 3812, the transmitting operation 3750 may includetransmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith one or more locations of the individual. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 may transmit one or more signals 126 thatinclude information associated with one or more locations of theindividual 102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116may transmit one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith the geographical location of an individual 102. For example, one ormore signals 126 may include information that indicates where anindividual 102 is located (e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, Asia,Middle East, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more signals 126 mayinclude global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

FIG. 39 illustrates operational flow 3900 that includes operations 3910,3920, 3930, 3940, and 3950 that correspond to operations 3710, 3720,3730, 3740, and 3750 as illustrated in FIG. 37 with an optionallyincluded packaging operation 3960 and represents examples of operationsthat are related to the performance of a method for identifying one ormore pathogens 106 and determining one or more agents 142 that may beused to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens 106. In FIG. 39 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operations used during performance of the method, discussionand explanation may be provided with respect to any one or combinationof the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/or with respect toother examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 3900 optionally includes apackaging operation 3960 involving packaging the one or more agents. Insome embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package one ormore agents 142. In some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138may be used to package one or more agents 142 in packaging material. Insome embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package one ormore agents 142 for administration to an individual 102. For example, insome embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package individualdosages of one or more agents 142 for a specific individual 102.Accordingly, in such embodiments, a packaging unit 138 may be used forindividualized agent 142 packaging.

FIG. 40 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 3900 of FIG. 39. FIG. 40 illustrates example embodiments where thepackaging operation 3960 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 4002, operation 4004,and/or operation 4006.

At operation 4002, the packaging operation 3960 may include formulatingthe one or more agents into unit dosage form. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may formulate one or more agents 142 intounit dosage form. In some embodiments, a unit dosage form may includeone or more amounts of one or more agents 142, such as pharmaceuticalagents 142, that are suitable as unitary dosages for an individual 102with each unit containing a predetermined quantity of at least one agent142 calculated to produce a desired effect, such as a therapeuticeffect, in association with one or more suitable pharmaceuticalcarriers. Such unit dosage forms may be packaged in numerousconfigurations that include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules,ampoules, and other administration forms known in the art and describedherein. In some embodiments, two or more unit dosage forms of one ormore agents 142 may be packaged into an administration form. Forexample, in some embodiments, two unit dosage forms may be wrapped intoan administration form through use of a continuous wrapper such thatthey are released at different times following administration to anindividual 102. In such an example, two unit dosage forms are includedwithin one administration form.

At operation 4004, the packaging operation 3960 may include packagingtwo or more of the agents into a single administration form. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package two or moreagents 142 into a single administration form. For example, in someembodiments, two agents 142 may be wrapped into a single administrationform through use of a continuous wrapper such that they are released atdifferent times following administration to an individual 102. In someexamples, two unit dosage forms may be included within oneadministration form.

At operation 4006, the packaging operation 3960 may include formulatingthe one or more agents into an administration form in response to inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained. In some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 mayformulate one or more agents 142 into an administration form in responseto input 120 associated with an individual 102 from whom one or moresamples 104 were obtained. For example, in some embodiments, anindividual 102 may work at night where an agent 142 may interfere withthe individual's function. Accordingly, one or more agents 142 may beformulated to be released during the day when the individual 102 is notworking. In some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be formulatedfor oral administration according to a preference of an individual 102.Accordingly, one or more agents 142 may be formulated in numerous waysin response to input 120 associated with an individual 102.

FIG. 41 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 3900 of FIG. 39. FIG. 41 illustrates example embodiments where thepackaging operation 3960 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 4102, operation 4104,and/or operation 4106.

At operation 4102, the packaging operation 3960 may include packagingthe one or more agents into one or more pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers. In some embodiments, one or more packaging units 138 maypackage one or more agents 142 with one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers. In some embodiments, one or more agents 142 (e.g.,pharmaceuticals) may be packaged with one or more solid or gel phasecarriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipients include,but are not limited to, croscarmellose sodium, povidone,microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate,various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, pregelatinizedstarch, polymers such as polyethylene glycols, lactose, lactosemonohydrate, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesiumstearate, stearic acid and substantially any combination thereof. If asolid carrier is used, the one or more agents 142 may be tableted,placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form, packaged inthe form of a troche or lozenge, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be packaged with aliquid carrier or excipient. Examples of such liquid carriers includesyrup, peanut oil, olive oil, water, physiologically compatible buffers(i.e., Hanks solution and Ringers solution), physiological salinebuffer, and the like. If a liquid carrier is used, the administrationform may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, drop, soft gelatincapsule, sterile injectable solution, suspension in an ampoule or vial,non-aqueous liquid suspension, and the like.

One or more agents 142 may be packaged in stable water-solubleadministration forms. For example, in some embodiments, apharmaceutically acceptable salt of one or more agents 142 may bedissolved in an aqueous solution of an organic or inorganic acid, suchas 0.3M solution of succinic acid or citric acid. If a soluble salt formis not available, an agent 142 may be dissolved in a suitable cosolventor combination of cosolvents. Examples of suitable cosolvents include,but are not limited to, alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol300, polysorbate 80, glycerin and the like in concentrations rangingfrom 0-60% of the total volume. In some embodiments, one or more agents142 may be dissolved in DMSO and diluted with water. The administrationform may also be in the form of a solution of a salt form of one or moreagents 142 in an appropriate aqueous vehicle such as water or isotonicsaline or dextrose solution.

In some embodiments, agents 142 that are hydrophobic may be packagedthrough use of a cosolvent system comprising benzyl alcohol, a nonpolarsurfactant, a water-miscible organic polymer, and an aqueous phase. Thecosolvent system may be the VPD co-solvent system. VPD is a solution of3 percent weight/volume benzyl alcohol, 8 percent weight/volume of thenonpolar surfactant polysorbate 80, and 65 percent weight/volumepolyethylene glycol 300, made up to volume in absolute ethanol. The VPDco-solvent system (VPD:5W) consists of VPD diluted 1:1 with a 5 percentdextrose in water solution. This co-solvent system dissolves hydrophobicagents 142, and itself produces low toxicity upon systemicadministration. The proportions of a co-solvent system may be variedconsiderably without destroying its solubility and toxicitycharacteristics. Furthermore, the identity of the co-solvent componentsmay be varied: for example, other low-toxicity nonpolar surfactants maybe used instead of polysorbate 80; the fraction size of polyethyleneglycol may be varied; other biocompatible polymers may replacepolyethylene glycol (i.e., polyvinyl pyrrolidone; and other sugars orpolysaccharides may substitute for dextrose). Many other deliverysystems may be used to administer hydrophobic agents 142 as well. Forexample, liposomes and emulsions are well known examples of deliveryvehicles or carriers for hydrophobic drugs. Certain organic solventssuch as dimethysulfoxide also may be employed, although usually at thecost of greater toxicity.

Some agents 142 may be packaged as salts with pharmaceuticallycompatible counter ions. Pharmaceutically compatible salts may be formedwith many acids, including hydrochloric, sulfuric, acetic, lactic,tartaric, malic, succinic, etc. Salts of agents 142 tend to be moresoluble in aqueous or other protonic solvents than are the correspondingfree-base forms.

Numerous carriers and excipients are known and are commerciallyavailable (i.e., The Merck Index, 13th Edition, An Encyclopedia ofChemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station,N.J. 2001; Mosby's Drug Guide, Mosby, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. 2004;Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20th Edition,Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pa. 2000; Physicians' DeskReference, 58th Edition, Thompson, P D R, Montvale, N.J. 2004; U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,773,721; 7,053,107; 7,049,312 and Published U.S. PatentApplication No. 20040224916; herein incorporated by reference).

In addition, in some embodiments, one or more agents 142 may be packagedwith pharmaceutically acceptable poloxamers, humectants, binders,disintegrants, fillers, diluents, lubricants, glidants, flow enhancers,compression aids, coloring agents, sweeteners, preservatives, suspendingagents, dispersing agents, film formers, coatings, flavoring agents,printing inks, or substantially any combination thereof.

At operation 4104, the packaging operation 3960 may include packagingthe one or more agents into packaging material. In some embodiments, oneor more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142 withpackaging material. One or more agents 142 (e.g., pharmaceuticals) maybe packaged in numerous types of packaging material. Examples ofpackaging material include, but are not limited to, containers, boxes,ampoules, vials, syringes, and the like. In some embodiments, packagingmaterial may include advertising. In some embodiments, packagingmaterial may include instructions for administration. Such instructionsmay include time for administration, route of administration, the nameof the individual 102 to whom the one or more agents 142 are to beadministered, the identity of the one or more agents 142, the dosage ofthe one or more agents 142, appropriate buffers for suspension of theone or more agents 142, the source of the one or more agents 142, thename of a physician or physicians who prescribed the one or more agents142, the date when the one or more agents 142 were prescribed, the datewhen the one or more agents 142 were packaged, the date when the one ormore agents 142 were manufactured, the expiration date of the one ormore agents 142, and the like.

At operation 4106, the packaging operation 3960 may include packagingthe one or more agents into packaging material and addressing thepackaging material for delivery to one or more addresses. In someembodiments, one or more packaging units 138 may package one or moreagents 142 with packaging material and address the packaging materialfor delivery to one or more addresses. For example, in some embodiments,one or more packaging units 138 may package one or more agents 142 inone or more dispensing containers (e.g., a box, ampoule, vial, syringe,etc.), and then package the one or more dispensing containers inpackaging material (e.g., boxes, crates, envelopes, pouches, etc.) thatis addressed for delivery to one or more addresses. In some embodiments,one or more packaging units 138 may package one or more prepackagedagents 142 in one or more shipping containers (e.g., boxes, crates,envelopes, pouches, etc.) and addressing the one or more shippingcontainers for delivery to one or more addresses. Numerous addressescould be used. Examples of such addresses include, but are not limitedto, addresses to hospitals, military field stations, pharmacies,individuals, health care facilities, and the like.

FIG. 42 illustrates operational flow 4200 that includes operations 4210,4220, 4230, 4240, 4250, and 4260 that correspond to operations 3910,3920, 3930, 3940, 3950, and 3960 as illustrated in FIG. 39 with anoptionally included shipping operation 4270 and represents examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a method foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 and determining one or more agents142 that may be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of theone or more pathogens 106. In FIG. 42 and in following figures thatinclude various examples of operations used during performance of themethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to anyone or combination of the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-1C, and/orwith respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should beunderstood that the operations may be executed in a number of otherenvironments and contexts, and/or modified versions of FIGS. 1-1C. Also,although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s)illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 4200 optionally includes ashipping operation 4270 involving shipping one or more packages thatinclude the one or more agents. In some embodiments, one or moreshipping units 140 may ship one or more agents 142. In some embodiments,a shipping unit 140 may include logic that selects one or more routesthat may be used to deliver one or more packages that include one ormore agents 142. For example, in some embodiments, a shipping unit 140may select a shipping route through the Southern United States in thewinter time to avoid shipping delays due to snowfall. Accordingly, oneor more shipping units 140 may select from numerous routes to ship oneor more packages. In some embodiments, a shipping unit 140 may select aservice to ship a package. Examples of such shipping services include,but are not limited to, United States Postal Service, United PostalService, Federal Express, and the like.

FIG. 43 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 4200 of FIG. 42. FIG. 43 illustrates example embodiments where theshipping operation 4270 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 4302, and/or operation4304.

At operation 4302, the shipping operation 4270 may include shipping theone or more packages through use of one or more common carriers. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may be used to ship one ormore packages through use of one or more common carriers. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may include logic thatselects one or more common carriers for shipping one or more packages.Examples of common carriers include, but are not limited to, airlineshipping services, ground shipping services, nautical shipping services,and the like.

At operation 4304, the shipping operation 4270 may include shipping theone or more packages to the individual from whom the one or more sampleswere obtained. In some embodiments, one or more shipping units 140 maybe used to ship one or more packages to an individual 102 from whom oneor more samples 104 were obtained.

FIG. 44 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 4200 of FIG. 42. FIG. 44 illustrates example embodiments where theshipping operation 4270 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 4402, and/or operation4404.

At operation 4402, the shipping operation 4270 may include shipping theone or more packages to one or more treatment facilities. In someembodiments, one or more shipping units 140 may be used to ship one ormore packages to one or more treatment facilities. Examples of treatmentfacilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, clinics, militaryfield hospitals, ship infirmaries, and the like.

At operation 4404, the shipping operation 4270 may include shipping theone or more packages to one or more pharmacies. In some embodiments, oneor more shipping units 140 may be used to ship one or more packages toone or more pharmacies.

FIG. 45 illustrates a partial view of a system 4500 that includes acomputer program 4504 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4500 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4502 bearing one or more instructions foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips; one or more instructions for accepting input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; and one or more instructions for determining one or moreagents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least oneof the one or more pathogens 106. The one or more instructions may be,for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions.In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4502 may include acomputer-readable medium 4506. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4502 may include a recordable medium 4508. In some embodiments,the signal-bearing medium 4502 may include a communications medium 4510.

FIG. 45A illustrates a partial view of a system 4500 that includes acomputer program 4504 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4500 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4502 bearing one or more instructions foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips; one or more instructions for accepting input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; one or more instructions for determining one or moreagents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least oneof the one or more pathogens; and one or more instructions fordisplaying information associated with the one or more agents 142. Theone or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/orlogic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4502 may include a computer-readable medium 4506. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4502 may include a recordablemedium 4508. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4502 mayinclude a communications medium 4510.

FIG. 45B illustrates a partial view of a system 4500 that includes acomputer program 4504 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4500 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4502 bearing one or more instructions foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips; one or more instructions for accepting input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; one or more instructions for determining one or moreagents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least oneof the one or more pathogens; one or more instructions for displayinginformation associated with the one or more agents; and one or moreinstructions for transmitting one or more signals 126 that includeinformation associated with the one or more agents 142. The one or moreinstructions may be, for example, computer executable and/orlogic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4502 may include a computer-readable medium 4506. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4502 may include a recordablemedium 4508. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4502 mayinclude a communications medium 4510.

FIG. 46 illustrates a partial view of a system 4600 that includes acomputer program 4604 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4600 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4602 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith one or more agents 142 determined in response to one or morepathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104 obtained from anindividual 102 and input 120 associated with the individual 102 fromwhom the one or more samples 104 were obtained; and one or moreinstructions for processing the information associated with one or moreagents 142 determined in response to one or more pathogens 106 presentwithin one or more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102 and theinput 120 associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or moresamples 104 were obtained. The one or more instructions may be, forexample, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. Insome embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4602 may include acomputer-readable medium 4606. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4602 may include a recordable medium 4608. In some embodiments,the signal-bearing medium 4602 may include a communications medium 4610.

FIG. 46A illustrates a partial view of a system 4600 that includes acomputer program 4604 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4600 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4602 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith one or more agents 142 determined in response to one or morepathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104 obtained from anindividual 102 and input 120 associated with the individual 102 fromwhom the one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructionsfor processing the information associated with one or more agents 142determined in response to one or more pathogens 106 present within oneor more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102 and the input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; and one or more instructions for packaging the one ormore agents 142. The one or more instructions may be, for example,computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4602 may include acomputer-readable medium 4606. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4602 may include a recordable medium 4608. In some embodiments,the signal-bearing medium 4602 may include a communications medium 4610.

FIG. 46B illustrates a partial view of a system 4600 that includes acomputer program 4604 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4600 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4602 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith one or more agents 142 determined in response to one or morepathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104 obtained from anindividual 102 and input 120 associated with the individual 102 fromwhom the one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructionsfor processing the information associated with one or more agents 142determined in response to one or more pathogens 106 present within oneor more samples 104 obtained from an individual 102 and the input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; one or more instructions for packaging the one or moreagents; and one or more instructions for shipping one or more packagesthat include the one or more agents 142. The one or more instructionsmay be, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implementedinstructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4602 mayinclude a computer-readable medium 4606. In some embodiments, thesignal-bearing medium 4602 may include a recordable medium 4608. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4602 may include a communicationsmedium 4610.

FIG. 47 illustrates a partial view of a system 4700 that includes acomputer program 4704 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4700 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4702 bearing one or more instructions foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips; one or more instructions for accepting input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; and one or more instructions for transmitting one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with the identifying oneor more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104 obtainedfrom an individual 102 through use of one or more microfluidic chips 108and the accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained. The one or more instructionsmay be, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implementedinstructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4702 mayinclude a computer-readable medium 4706. In some embodiments, thesignal-bearing medium 4702 may include a recordable medium 4708. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4702 may include a communicationsmedium 4710.

FIG. 47A illustrates a partial view of a system 4700 that includes acomputer program 4704 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4700 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4702 bearing one or more instructions foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips; one or more instructions for accepting input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; one or more instructions for transmitting one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with the identifying oneor more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104 obtainedfrom an individual 102 through use of one or more microfluidic chips 108and the accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; and one or more instructionsfor receiving one or more signals 126 that include informationassociated with one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. The oneor more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/orlogic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4702 may include a computer-readable medium 4706. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4702 may include a recordablemedium 4708. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4702 mayinclude a communications medium 4710.

FIG. 47B illustrates a partial view of a system 4700 that includes acomputer program 4704 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4700 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4702 bearing one or more instructions foridentifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples104 obtained from an individual 102 through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips; one or more instructions for accepting input 120associated with the individual 102 from whom the one or more samples 104were obtained; one or more instructions for transmitting one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with the identifying oneor more pathogens 106 present within one or more samples 104 obtainedfrom an individual 102 through use of one or more microfluidic chips 108and the accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicityof at least one of the one or more pathogens; and one or moreinstructions for displaying the information associated with the one ormore agents 142 that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at leastone of the one or more pathogens 106. The one or more instructions maybe, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implementedinstructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4702 mayinclude a computer-readable medium 4706. In some embodiments, thesignal-bearing medium 4702 may include a recordable medium 4708. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4702 may include a communicationsmedium 4710.

FIG. 48 illustrates a partial view of a system 4800 that includes acomputer program 4804 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4800 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4802 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith identifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or moresamples 104 obtained from an individual; one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; and one or more instructionsfor determining one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens 106. The oneor more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/orlogic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4802 may include a computer-readable medium 4806. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include a recordablemedium 4808. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 mayinclude a communications medium 4810.

FIG. 48A illustrates a partial view of a system 4800 that includes acomputer program 4804 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4800 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4802 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith identifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or moresamples 104 obtained from an individual; one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructions fordetermining one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens; and one ormore instructions for displaying information associated with the one ormore agents 142. The one or more instructions may be, for example,computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include acomputer-readable medium 4806. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4802 may include a recordable medium 4808. In some embodiments,the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include a communications medium 4810.

FIG. 48B illustrates a partial view of a system 4800 that includes acomputer program 4804 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4800 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4802 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith identifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or moresamples 104 obtained from an individual; one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructions fordetermining one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens; one or moreinstructions for displaying information associated with the one or moreagents; and one or more instructions for transmitting one or moresignals 126 that include information associated with the one or moreagents 142. The one or more instructions may be, for example, computerexecutable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments,the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include a computer-readable medium4806. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include arecordable medium 4808. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium4802 may include a communications medium 4810.

FIG. 48C illustrates a partial view of a system 4800 that includes acomputer program 4804 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4800 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4802 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith identifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or moresamples 104 obtained from an individual; one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructions fordetermining one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens; one or moreinstructions for displaying information associated with the one or moreagents; one or more instructions for transmitting one or more signals126 that include information associated with the one or more agents; andone or more instructions for packaging the one or more agents 142. Theone or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/orlogic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4802 may include a computer-readable medium 4806. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include a recordablemedium 4808. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 mayinclude a communications medium 4810.

FIG. 48D illustrates a partial view of a system 4800 that includes acomputer program 4804 for executing a computer process on a computingdevice. An embodiment of the system 4800 is provided using asignal-bearing medium 4802 bearing one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith identifying one or more pathogens 106 present within one or moresamples 104 obtained from an individual; one or more instructions forreceiving one or more signals 126 that include information associatedwith accepting input 120 associated with the individual 102 from whomthe one or more samples 104 were obtained; one or more instructions fordetermining one or more agents 142 that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens; one or moreinstructions for displaying information associated with the one or moreagents; one or more instructions for transmitting one or more signals126 that include information associated with the one or more agents; oneor more instructions for packaging the one or more agents; and one ormore instructions for shipping one or more packages that include the oneor more agents 142. The one or more instructions may be, for example,computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In someembodiments, the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include acomputer-readable medium 4806. In some embodiments, the signal-bearingmedium 4802 may include a recordable medium 4808. In some embodiments,the signal-bearing medium 4802 may include a communications medium 4810.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by theappended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and/or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal-bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and electro-magneticallyactuated devices, or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, asused herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., anactuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitryhaving at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitryforming a general purpose computing device configured by a computerprogram (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer programwhich at least partially carries out processes and/or devices describedherein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms ofrandom access memory), electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment), and any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical orother analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatexamples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited to avariety of consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems suchas motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, securitysystems, and communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarilylimited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuationexcept as context may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto implement devices and/or processes and/or systems in the fashion(s)set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering and/or businesspractices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/orsystems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems.That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/orsystems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/orprocesses and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation.Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such otherdevices and/or processes and/or systems might include—as appropriate tocontext and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/orsystems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, hovercraft,helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck,locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building(e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., arefrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communicationssystem (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a voice-over IPsystem, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider(ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest, Southwestern Bell, etc), or(g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g., such as Sprint, Cingular,Nextel, etc.), etc.

Although user 170 is shown/described herein as a single illustratedfigure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a user 124 may berepresentative of a human user 124, a robotic user 124 (e.g.,computational entity), and/or substantially any combination thereof(e.g., a user 124 may be assisted by one or more robotic ). In addition,a user 124 as set forth herein, although shown as a single entity may infact be composed of two or more entities. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that, in general, the same may be said of “sender” and/orother entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein areincorporated herein by reference. The foregoing specification has beendescribed in relation to certain embodiments thereof, and many detailshave been set forth for purposes of illustration, however, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptibleto additional embodiments and that certain of the details describedherein may be varied considerably without departing from the basicprinciples of the invention.

1. A method comprising: identifying one or more pathogens present withinone or more samples obtained from an individual through use of one ormore microfluidic chips; accepting input associated with the individualfrom whom the one or more samples were obtained; and determining one ormore agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least oneof the one or more pathogens.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the identifying one or more pathogens present within one or moresamples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips comprises: processing the one or more samples withthe one or more microfluidic chips to facilitate analysis of one or morepathogen indicators associated with the one or more samples.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the identifying one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual through use ofone or more microfluidic chips comprises: analyzing one or more pathogenindicators with one or more analysis units that are configured tooperably associate with the one or more microfluidic chips.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the accepting input associated with theindividual from whom the one or more samples were obtained comprises:accepting input associated with one or more parameters related to theindividual.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens comprises:identifying one or more chemical agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of the at least one of the one or more pathogens that areidentified. 8.-9. (canceled)
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens comprises:identifying the one or more agents that are not contraindicated by oneor more substances used by the individual.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The methodof claim 1, wherein the determining one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogenscomprises: identifying the one or more agents in response to one or moreparameters associated with the individual. 13.-14. (canceled)
 15. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thedisplaying information associated with the one or more agents comprises:displaying an identity of the one or more agents.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the displaying information associated with the one ormore agents comprises: displaying dosage information associated with theone or more agents.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the displayinginformation associated with the one or more agents comprises: displayinginstructions associated with use of the one or more agents.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the displaying information associated withthe one or more agents comprises: displaying information associated withcost of the one or more agents.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein thedisplaying information associated with the one or more agents comprises:displaying information associated with insurance coverage related to theone or more agents.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the displayinginformation associated with the one or more agents comprises: displayingone or more contraindications associated with the one or more agents.22. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting one or moresignals that include information associated with the one or more agents.23. The method of claim 22, wherein the transmitting one or more signalsthat include information associated with the one or more agentscomprises: transmitting the one or more signals that include informationassociated with the identity of one or more agents.
 24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the transmitting one or more signals that includeinformation associated with the one or more agents comprises:transmitting the one or more signals that include information associatedwith the individual.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein thetransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: transmitting the one or moresignals through use of a secure connection.
 26. The method of claim 22,wherein the transmitting one or more signals that include informationassociated with the one or more agents comprises: transmitting the oneor more signals that include information associated with the one or morepathogens.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein thetransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: transmitting the one or moresignals that include information associated with one or more locationsof the individual.
 29. A system comprising: a signal-bearing mediumbearing: one or more instructions for identifying one or more pathogenspresent within one or more samples obtained from an individual throughuse of one or more microfluidic chips; one or more instructions foraccepting input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained; and one or more instructions for determining oneor more agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at leastone of the one or more pathogens.
 30. The system of claim 29, furthercomprising: one or more instructions for displaying informationassociated with the one or more agents.
 31. The system of claim 29,further comprising: one or more instructions for transmitting one ormore signals that include information associated with the one or moreagents.
 32. The system of claim 29, wherein the signal-bearing mediumincludes a computer-readable medium.
 33. The system of claim 29, whereinthe signal-bearing medium includes a recordable medium.
 34. The systemof claim 29, wherein the signal-bearing medium includes a communicationsmedium.
 35. A system comprising: means for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips; means for accepting inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained; and means for determining one or more agents that can be usedto reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogensresponsive to the means for identifying one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual through use ofone or more microfluidic chips and the means for accepting inputassociated with the individual from whom the one or more samples wereobtained.
 36. The system of claim 35, further comprising: means fordisplaying information associated with the one or more agents.
 37. Thesystem of claim 35, further comprising: means for transmitting one ormore signals that include information associated with the one or moreagents.
 38. A system comprising: circuitry for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips; circuitry for acceptinginput associated with the individual from whom the one or more sampleswere obtained; and circuitry for determining one or more agents that canbe used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one or morepathogens responsive to the circuitry for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips and the circuitry foraccepting input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained.
 39. (canceled)
 40. The system of claim 38,wherein the circuitry for identifying one or more pathogens presentwithin one or more samples obtained from an individual through use ofone or more microfluidic chips comprises: circuitry for processing theone or more samples with the one or more microfluidic chips tofacilitate analysis of one or more pathogen indicators associated withthe one or more samples.
 41. The system of claim 38, wherein thecircuitry for identifying one or more pathogens present within one ormore samples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips comprises: circuitry for analyzing one or morepathogen indicators with one or more analysis units that are configuredto operably associate with the one or more microfluidic chips.
 42. Thesystem of claim 38, wherein the circuitry for accepting input associatedwith the individual from whom the one or more samples were obtainedcomprises: circuitry for accepting input associated with one or moreparameters related to the individual.
 43. (canceled)
 44. The system ofclaim 38, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more agents thatcan be used to reduce the pathogenicity of at least one of the one ormore pathogens responsive to the circuitry for identifying one or morepathogens present within one or more samples obtained from an individualthrough use of one or more microfluidic chips and the circuitry foraccepting input associated with the individual from whom the one or moresamples were obtained comprises: circuitry for identifying one or morechemical agents that can be used to reduce the pathogenicity of the atleast one of the one or more pathogens that are identified. 45.-46.(canceled)
 47. The system of claim 38, wherein the circuitry fordetermining one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens responsive tothe circuitry for identifying one or more pathogens present within oneor more samples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips and the circuitry for accepting input associated withthe individual from whom the one or more samples were obtainedcomprises: circuitry for identifying the one or more agents that are notcontraindicated by one or more substances used by the individual. 48.(canceled)
 49. The system of claim 38, wherein the circuitry fordetermining one or more agents that can be used to reduce thepathogenicity of at least one of the one or more pathogens responsive tothe circuitry for identifying one or more pathogens present within oneor more samples obtained from an individual through use of one or moremicrofluidic chips and the circuitry for accepting input associated withthe individual from whom the one or more samples were obtainedcomprises: circuitry for identifying the one or more agents in responseto one or more parameters associated with the individual. 50.-51.(canceled)
 52. The system of claim 38, further comprising: circuitry fordisplaying information associated with the one or more agents.
 53. Thesystem of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for displaying informationassociated with the one or more agents comprises: circuitry fordisplaying an identity of the one or more agents.
 54. The system ofclaim 52, wherein the circuitry for displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: circuitry for displaying dosageinformation associated with the one or more agents.
 55. The system ofclaim 52, wherein the circuitry for displaying information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: circuitry for displayinginstructions associated with use of the one or more agents.
 56. Thesystem of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for displaying informationassociated with the one or more agents comprises: circuitry fordisplaying information associated with cost of the one or more agents.57. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for displayinginformation associated with the one or more agents comprises: circuitryfor displaying information associated with insurance coverage related tothe one or more agents.
 58. The system of claim 52, wherein thecircuitry for displaying information associated with the one or moreagents comprises: circuitry for displaying one or more contraindicationsassociated with the one or more agents.
 59. The system of claim 38,further comprising: circuitry for transmitting one or more signals thatinclude information associated with the one or more agents.
 60. Thesystem of claim 59, wherein the circuitry for transmitting one or moresignals that include information associated with the one or more agentscomprises: circuitry for transmitting the one or more signals thatinclude information associated with the identity of the one or moreagents.
 61. The system of claim 59, wherein the circuitry fortransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: circuitry for transmitting theone or more signals that include information associated with theindividual.
 62. The system of claim 59, wherein the circuitry fortransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: circuitry for transmitting theone or more signals through use of a secure connection.
 63. The systemof claim 59, wherein the circuitry for transmitting one or more signalsthat include information associated with the one or more agentscomprises: circuitry for transmitting the one or more signals thatinclude information associated with the one or more pathogens. 64.(canceled)
 65. The system of claim 59, wherein the circuitry fortransmitting one or more signals that include information associatedwith the one or more agents comprises: circuitry for transmitting theone or more signals that include information associated with one or morelocations of the individual.